What are peaches and plums considered?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that peaches and plums, along with apples and cherries, are all part of the Rosaceae, or rose family? We often think of them simply as stone fruits, but their botanical classification reveals deeper connections. This article will explain what are peaches and plums considered and their place in the plant kingdom.

Quick Summary

Peaches and plums are botanically classified as drupes, a type of stone fruit. They belong to the Prunus genus within the Rosaceae (rose) family, alongside cherries and almonds. The term describes fleshy fruits with a single, hard pit or stone.

Key Points

Drupes (Stone Fruits): Peaches and plums are classified as drupes, a type of fleshy fruit characterized by a single, hard pit surrounding the seed.
Rosaceae (Rose) Family: Both fruits belong to the Rosaceae family, making them botanical relatives of roses, apples, and cherries.
Prunus Genus: Within the rose family, they are grouped under the Prunus genus, which also includes other stone fruits like apricots and nectarines.
Nutritional Differences: Peaches contain more Vitamin C, while plums are a better source of Vitamin K and contain anthocyanins, which fight inflammation.
Freestone vs. Clingstone: Peaches can be either freestone (pit separates easily) or clingstone (pit sticks to the flesh), while plums are typically freestone.
Dried Plums (Prunes): Plums can be dried to make prunes, which are notably high in fiber and sorbitol and are often used to aid digestion.

The delightful summer fruits we know as peaches and plums have a complex botanical identity, rooted in their physical structure and genetic lineage. While colloquially known as "stone fruits," their scientific classification as drupes and their membership in the Rosaceae family place them in a surprisingly large and diverse plant group that includes not only other popular fruits but also ornamental flowers like the rose.

Peaches and Plums: A Botanical Classification

Peaches and plums are both classified as drupes, a simple fleshy fruit that develops from a single ovary and contains a hard, stony pit, or endocarp, surrounding the seed. This pit is the defining characteristic that separates drupes from other fruit types, such as berries or pomes.

What is a Drupe?

The term "drupe" refers to the specific structure of these fruits. A drupe is composed of three layers:

Exocarp: The thin, outer skin of the fruit (fuzzy for peaches, smooth for plums).
Mesocarp: The middle, fleshy, and typically juicy part of the fruit that we eat.
Endocarp: The hard, inner layer that forms the pit or stone, which protects the seed inside. It's often misunderstood as the seed itself.

The Rose Family Connection

Beyond their shared drupe classification, peaches and plums belong to the same plant family, Rosaceae, commonly known as the rose family. This family is one of the most economically important for crop plants and includes a vast array of species, many of which produce edible fruits. This explains why the blossoms of a peach or plum tree bear a resemblance to wild rose flowers, sharing a common five-petaled structure and botanical ancestry.

Understanding the Prunus Genus

Within the Rosaceae family, peaches and plums are categorized under the Prunus genus. This large genus also encompasses other well-known stone fruits, such as cherries, apricots, and nectarines.

Peach: Scientifically known as Prunus persica.
Plum: Includes various species, such as Prunus domestica (European plums) and Prunus salicina (Japanese plums).

Comparison: Peaches vs. Plums

Although they share a botanical family and classification, peaches and plums have key differences.


Feature	Peach	Plum
Skin	Fuzzy and velvety.	Smooth and thin, often with a white bloom.
Flesh	Firm and sweet, ranging in color from yellow to white or red.	Juicy and ranging from sweet to tart, with colors like yellow, red, or dark purple.
Pit	Can be freestone (easily removed) or clingstone (clings to the flesh).	Can be freestone or clingstone, typically small relative to the fruit size.
Nutritional Standout	Higher in Vitamin C and carotenoids.	Notable source of Vitamin K and anthocyanins.

Nutritional Similarities and Differences

Both peaches and plums are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. However, their specific nutritional profiles vary slightly. Peaches are known for their antioxidant properties, with compounds like carotenoids and caffeic acid that may offer protection against certain cancers. Plums contain anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants, particularly concentrated in their skin, and are known for their role in reducing inflammation. Prunes, or dried plums, are especially high in sorbitol and fiber, making them effective for relieving constipation.

The Importance of Eating Both

Nutrition experts often recommend eating a "rainbow of fruits" to get a wide variety of nutrients. By enjoying both peaches and plums, you can capitalize on the unique benefits each offers. For example, while peaches provide a great dose of Vitamin C for immune support, plums offer anthocyanins for antioxidant protection. Consuming a mix of fruits ensures a balanced intake of diverse phytochemicals and vitamins.

Conclusion

In summary, what are peaches and plums considered? Botanically, they are both drupes, or stone fruits, which are defined by their fleshy exterior and a single hard pit. These two popular summer fruits share membership in the Rosaceae family and the Prunus genus, making them relatives of cherries, almonds, and even the common rose. While they share core characteristics, distinct flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits distinguish them. Understanding this classification helps appreciate the surprising connections within the plant kingdom. For more information on the health benefits of peaches and plums, refer to the resources from sources like Healthline, which outlines the benefits in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, peaches and plums are not considered berries. Berries are fleshy fruits typically containing multiple seeds, whereas peaches and plums are drupes, defined by their single, stony pit.

A drupe is a type of fruit with a fleshy exterior and a single, hard pit, or "stone," in the center that contains the seed. Common examples include peaches, plums, cherries, and olives.

Peaches and plums belong to the Rosaceae family and the Prunus genus. Other fruits in this group include cherries, apricots, nectarines, and almonds.

Neither fruit is universally healthier than the other, as both offer excellent nutrition. Peaches are higher in Vitamin C, while plums contain more Vitamin K and potent antioxidants called anthocyanins.

Peach pits, like other stone fruit seeds, contain a compound called amygdalin, which can be converted to cyanide in the body if crushed and ingested. Swallowing the pit whole is unlikely to cause harm, but consuming crushed seeds can be dangerous.

The difference lies in how easily the pit separates from the flesh. In freestone peaches, the pit separates cleanly, making them easier for eating or processing. In clingstone peaches, the flesh clings to the pit.

Prunes are simply dried plums, specifically from certain varieties of European plums. The drying process concentrates their sugars and nutrients, making them a common remedy for constipation due to their high fiber and sorbitol content.