What Fruit Has a Pit Inside? A Deep Dive into Drupes

Botanically known as a drupe, a fruit with a pit inside is a common occurrence in nature. This category of fleshy, single-seeded fruits includes many popular varieties you likely eat often, from the sweet and juicy to the savory and tropical.

Quick Summary

This article defines a drupe, explains its unique structure, and provides comprehensive examples of what fruit has a pit inside, including both common and surprising varieties.

Key Points

• Drupe Defined: A drupe, or stone fruit, is a fleshy fruit with a single, central hard pit, which is the endocarp of the fruit.

• Pit vs. Seed: The hard pit is the protective shell for the seed inside, and the seed itself should not be consumed.

• Common Examples: Peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots are all classic examples of drupes.

• Surprising Drupes: Mangoes, olives, and even coconuts are also botanically classified as drupes due to their single-pit structure.

• Aggregate Fruits: Raspberries and blackberries are aggregates of many tiny drupelets, each containing a small, edible pit.

• Nutritional Value: Stone fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing to immune, digestive, and heart health.

The Defining Characteristic: What Exactly is a Drupe?

A drupe, commonly known as a stone fruit, is a simple, fleshy fruit that develops from a single ovary. Its defining feature is a hard, stony pit, or endocarp, which encloses the seed. The fruit wall, called the pericarp, has three layers: the exocarp (skin), mesocarp (fleshy part), and the endocarp (hard pit). The seed is inside the pit, which acts as a protective casing, not the seed itself.

Common Examples of Stone Fruits

Many familiar summer fruits are drupes, part of the Prunus genus, known for their juicy flesh and single stone.

• Peaches: Famous for being either clingstone or freestone, depending on how easily the flesh separates from the pit.
• Plums: These have smooth skin and sweet flesh around a central pit.
• Cherries: Small and round, both sweet and tart varieties have an inedible pit.
• Apricots: Smaller than peaches with velvety skin and a slightly tart taste.
• Nectarines: Similar to peaches but with smooth skin.

Surprising Fruits That Have a Pit Inside

Beyond the Prunus family, other fruits are also drupes.

• Mangoes: A tropical fruit with a large, flat, central pit.
• Olives: Botanically a fruit, olives have a hard pit.
• Coconuts: A fibrous, dry drupe with a fibrous husk (mesocarp) and hard inner shell (endocarp) containing the seed.
• Almonds and Pistachios: These are drupes where we eat the seed inside a hard pit, after removing the inedible outer fruit layer.

The Case of Aggregate Fruits: When Tiny Pits Add Up

Some fruits are collections of many small drupelets, each with a miniature, edible pit.

• Raspberries: Composed of numerous drupelets, each with a tiny seed.
• Blackberries: Also aggregates of drupelets.

Comparing Drupes and Pomes

Drupes differ from pomes, like apples, in their seed structure.

Feature	Drupe (e.g., Peach)	Pome (e.g., Apple)
Seed Location	Single, central hard pit (endocarp)	Central core with multiple small seeds
Edible Part	Primarily the fleshy mesocarp	Fleshy floral tube and mesocarp
Seed Count	Single seed	Multiple small seeds
Origin of Edible Flesh	Ovary wall	Fleshy receptacle surrounding the ovary

Health Benefits of Drupe Fruits

Drupes offer various health benefits.

• Rich in Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols, protecting against chronic diseases.
• Supports Digestive Health: High fiber content aids digestion and promotes regularity.
• Boosts Immune Function: Vitamin C supports the immune system.
• Protects Vision: Nutrients like beta-carotene contribute to good eye health.
• Aids Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, they can support weight loss efforts.

A Note on Safety: Pits and Seeds

The pits and seeds of drupes contain amygdalin, which can become toxic cyanide if crushed and ingested. Avoid chewing or crushing the pits.

Conclusion

Drupes encompass a variety of fruits, all characterized by a single pit inside. These nutritious stone fruits offer both enjoyable flavor and significant health benefits. Read more about the health benefits of stone fruits on Dr. Axe's site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the botanical term for a fruit with a pit inside?

The botanical term for a fruit with a pit inside is a 'drupe' or 'stone fruit.' The hard pit is the endocarp, a layer of the fruit wall that surrounds the seed.

Are peaches and nectarines considered drupes?

Yes, both peaches and nectarines are classic examples of drupes. They belong to the genus Prunus and have a single hard pit in the center.

Is a mango a fruit with a pit inside?

Yes, a mango is a drupe. Its large, flat stone is the pit that contains the single seed.

What is the difference between a clingstone and freestone fruit?

Clingstone fruits have flesh that sticks tightly to the pit, while freestone fruits have a pit that separates easily from the flesh. Peaches come in both varieties.

Are blackberries and raspberries considered stone fruits?

Yes, botanically speaking. Blackberries and raspberries are aggregate fruits composed of many tiny drupelets, with each tiny segment having its own minute pit.

Why is a coconut classified as a drupe?

A coconut is a fibrous drupe. The fibrous husk is the mesocarp, and the hard inner shell is the endocarp, which is the pit containing the seed.

Can the seeds inside a fruit's pit be eaten?

No, it is not recommended to eat the seeds. The seeds of many stone fruits contain a compound called amygdalin, which can convert to cyanide if crushed or chewed. The pits are for protection and should be discarded.