Question
Why is it that Bread and Wine each have their own dedicated brachot, yet on all other food items we use an "umbrella" style bracha, to apply to all food items in a similar group?
Answer
Bread and wine are considered the staples of life, the foods of special honor and significanace. We see in Bereshith that Malchizedek brought out bread and wine as an offering to Avraham as a sign of appreciation and holiness.
Best wishes.
Rabbi Berel Wein
