It is customary to eat certain symbolic foods during the two nights of Rosh Hashanah which signify good fortune for the entire upcoming year. It is therefore customary to eat black-eyed peas, pumpkin, leek, spinach, dates, pomegranates, apples dipped in honey, and meat of a sheep’s head on the nights of Rosh Hashanah. The source for this custom is based on the Gemara in Masechet Horayot (12a) which states, “One should always look at pumpkin, leek, spinach, and dates on Rosh Hashanah as a good omen.” Rashi explains: “These things grow quickly and it is a good sign to see them on Rosh Hashanah.”

By eating fruits or vegetables before a meal, one places himself in a doubtful situation regarding whether an after-blessing is required on these items or perhaps one fulfills his obligation to do so by reciting Birkat Hamazon at the conclusion of the meal. Since one should…