Is it permitted during the nine days to taste the meat and cholent before shabbos in order to check if it tastes good?
Answer:
It is permitted to taste a meaty dish to check its taste. Although some permit swallowing the food, it is preferable to not swallow it, but take it out of one’s mouth after tasting. If the food is not swallowed, a berachah should not be made prior to tasting.
Sources:See Mekor Chaim 551:9; Hisorerus Teshuvah II:169; Ein Eliezer 48; see Or Le’Zion III, 26:4 (permits even swallowing), and Chazon Ovadya, Taanios p. 175.
