What is the edible part of an apple called? A common question answered
For most people, the large, juicy part of the apple is simply called the flesh or pulp. This is the most practical and widely understood name in culinary contexts. The term "meat" is a vernacularism, or a regional term, that can be traced back to a time when "meat" was a generic term for any solid food. Today, however, its use for fruit is considered archaic. In contrast, the botanical classification offers a more precise, but less common, vocabulary for understanding the different layers of the apple.
The proper botanical terminology
From a botanical standpoint, the apple is a fascinating case. Unlike many fruits where the edible part is the pericarp (the wall of the ovary), the vast majority of what we eat when we bite into an apple is actually a structure known as the hypanthium or "accessory tissue". The apple is classified as a "pome," a type of accessory fruit. The true pericarp of the apple is the papery or tough tissue that makes up the core, which is typically discarded.
Let's break down the layers of the apple from the outside in:
- Exocarp: This is the outermost layer, which we commonly call the skin or peel. It provides protection for the fruit's interior.
- Mesocarp: This is the middle layer, which botanists identify as the juicy, edible flesh. In apples, this layer is fused with the enlarged floral receptacle. While technically the mesocarp is part of the core, the fleshy tissue surrounding it is the part that we eat.
- Endocarp: This innermost layer forms the wall of the apple's core, surrounding the seeds. It is tough and usually not eaten.
This distinction is what makes the apple an interesting botanical specimen. The delicious, sweet part that we enjoy is not actually part of the fruit's original ovary, but a separate, fleshy part of the flower that has grown and swelled around it. The popular terms "flesh" and "pulp" are therefore accurate from a general and culinary perspective, even if the botanical science is more nuanced.
Apples: Pome vs. Drupe
The difference in fruit structure is most easily understood by comparing an apple (a pome) to a fruit with a "true" edible pericarp, such as a peach (a drupe).
| Feature | Apple (Pome) | Peach (Drupe) |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Accessory Fruit | True Fruit |
| Edible Part | Enlarged floral receptacle (hypanthium) | Mesocarp (middle layer of pericarp) |
| Core/Pit | Tough, papery pericarp surrounding seeds | Hard endocarp enclosing a single seed |
| Botanical Name of Edible Part | Receptacle / Fused mesocarp | Mesocarp |
| Common Name of Edible Part | Flesh, pulp | Flesh, meat |
This table illustrates why a peach's hard pit is part of its fruit structure, while the apple's central core is a separate component within the edible receptacle.
Conclusion: The correct terminology
In conclusion, while the question, "What is the meat of an apple called?" may seem straightforward, the answer depends on your perspective. For everyday use, 'flesh' or 'pulp' are the most accurate and easily understood terms, and the use of 'meat' is considered outdated. For botanists, the term 'mesocarp' applies to the inner fleshy layer, but the surrounding edible portion is considered accessory tissue. Understanding this distinction reveals the complexity and fascinating biology of a fruit we all know and love. By using the correct terminology, we can better appreciate the intricate structures that make up the fruits we consume daily. To dive deeper into fruit classification, an excellent resource is the Wikipedia article on fruit anatomy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the soft, white part of an apple called?
The soft, white edible part of an apple is most commonly called the flesh or pulp.
What is the white substance that sometimes appears in the apple core?
The white substance seen in some apple cores is typically a harmless, natural plant growth called callus tissue, which is safe to eat.
Is the core of an apple considered the "meat"?
No, the core is not the "meat." The term "meat" is an old-fashioned, informal term for the edible flesh, and the core is the inedible, fibrous central part containing the seeds.
What is the skin of an apple called botanically?
Botanically, the skin of the apple is called the exocarp or epidermis.
Can you eat the apple's mesocarp?
Yes, the mesocarp is the edible, fleshy part of the apple. It is the most substantial and widely consumed part of the fruit.
Why do some people say "meat" instead of "flesh" for fruit?
The use of "meat" for the flesh of fruit is an older English usage, dating back to when the word referred to any solid food. It is now considered outdated and is generally no longer used in this context.
Is an apple a true berry?
No, an apple is not a true berry. It is classified as a pome, a type of accessory fruit where the bulk of the flesh is not derived from the ovary.
