What is the thing in the middle of an apple called?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that the average apple contains 5 to 10 seeds? For many, the tough, seedy center of the fruit is a bit of a mystery, leading to the common question: what is the thing in the middle of an apple called? In simple terms, it's the core, but its botanical nature is surprisingly complex.

Quick Summary

The central part of an apple is called the core, a fibrous section containing the seeds that form from the flower's ovary. It is technically edible, though the seeds inside are not recommended for consumption.

Key Points

Core: The central, fibrous part of an apple is called the core and is where the seeds are housed.
Edibility: The core is technically edible and contains beneficial fiber and probiotics, but most people find it unpalatable.
Amygdalin: Apple seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which converts to cyanide if the seeds are crushed and digested, making them unsafe to eat.
Pome Fruit: From a botanical perspective, an apple is a pome fruit, meaning the fleshy part we eat grows from the flower's receptacle, not the ovary.
Calyx: The star-shaped structure at the bottom of the apple is the calyx, the leftover part of the flower's sepals.
Cyanide Risk: While large quantities of chewed seeds can be toxic, accidentally swallowing a few whole is not a cause for concern because the hard outer shell protects the amygdalin from digestion.

The Anatomy of an Apple: Breaking Down a Delicious Pome

While most people can easily identify the skin and the flesh of an apple, the deeper, central parts are often less understood. From a botanical standpoint, an apple is not a 'true fruit' but a pome, meaning the fleshy, edible portion develops from the flower's receptacle, not the ovary. The answer to "what is the thing in the middle of an apple called?" is straightforward: the core. However, a deeper look reveals several fascinating components within this seemingly simple fruit.

The Apple Core: More Than Just the Center

The core is the tough, fibrous central part of the apple that encapsulates the seeds. It's essentially the protective housing for the fruit's reproductive elements. While many people throw away the core due to its texture and the seeds it contains, it is technically edible and, according to some studies, can be beneficial. The core is composed of the endocarp, the innermost layer of the pericarp (the fruit wall), and the carpels, which are the five seed pockets arranged in a star shape.

Edibility and Safety: The Core vs. The Seeds

A common concern revolves around the edibility of the core and seeds. While the core itself is not harmful, the seeds contain a compound called amygdalin. When the seeds are crushed or chewed, amygdalin can be converted into the toxic chemical hydrogen cyanide.


Feature	Core (Fibrous Part)	Seeds (Pips)
Edibility	Yes, edible.	No, not recommended.
Composition	High in fiber, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria (probiotics).	Contain amygdalin, which converts to cyanide when digested.
Safety	Generally safe to eat and even beneficial.	Toxic if crushed or chewed. Swallowing whole is typically safe.
Nutritional Value	Contains pectin, a soluble fiber that aids digestion.	Negligible nutritional value; risk of toxicity outweighs benefits.

Note: You would need to chew and ingest a large quantity of seeds—hundreds—to reach a lethal dose of cyanide. However, avoiding them altogether is the safest course of action.

An Apple's Botanical Blueprint

To fully appreciate the apple, let's explore its other key parts:

Skin (Exocarp): The outermost protective layer, rich in fiber and antioxidants. Its color and texture vary by apple variety.
Flesh (Mesocarp): The juicy, edible part beneath the skin. This is the part most commonly consumed and contains most of the fruit's water, sugars, and nutrients.
Stem (Pedicel): The short stalk that attaches the apple to the branch, serving as a conduit for nutrients during growth.
Calyx: The small, star-shaped structure at the bottom of the apple, which is the remnant of the flower's sepals.
Vascular Bundles: Small veins that transport water and nutrients throughout the fruit.

The Debate Over Eating the Core

In recent years, a debate has emerged regarding whether it's best to eat the whole apple, core and all. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology highlighted that a significant portion of an apple's beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, is concentrated in the core and seeds. This has led some to advocate for eating the entire fruit (excluding the stem). The choice is ultimately personal, balancing the potential health benefits of the core's probiotics and fiber with the texture and effort of consumption. If you choose to eat the core, it's best to avoid the seeds to minimize any risk.

How to Enjoy an Apple While Avoiding the Core

For those who prefer to stick to the traditional, core-free way of eating an apple, there are several simple methods for removal:

Use an Apple Corer: This specialized tool is designed to push through the center of the fruit, cleanly extracting the core and seeds in a single motion.
Cut into Quarters: Simply slice the apple into four sections around the core. This makes it easy to then cut or scrape out the central fibrous portion and seeds.
Use a Paring Knife: For a more manual approach, cut the apple into halves and use a small, sharp paring knife to scoop out the seeds and core.
Try a Melon Baller: For a quicker method with apple halves, a melon baller can be used to neatly scoop out the core and seed pockets.
Spiral Slicer: A spiral slicer creates a spiral of apple flesh while leaving the core behind, a fun and easy way to prepare apples for snacks or desserts.

Conclusion: The Core of the Matter

So, what is the thing in the middle of an apple called? It's the core, a fibrous, seed-filled structure. While the core itself is edible and may even contain beneficial probiotics and fiber, the seeds within should be avoided due to their amygdalin content, which can release cyanide when chewed. For those who don't want to waste the food, the core can be consumed, but it's crucial to remove the seeds first. For most, simply discarding the core remains the preferred and safest practice. Understanding the anatomy of this everyday fruit not only satisfies a curious question but also provides a deeper appreciation for nature's clever design.

For more detailed research on the health benefits of apples, including the role of pectin and antioxidants, you can refer to authoritative sources such as those found on the USApple website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The apple core is not a single botanical term but consists of the carpels (seed pockets) and the surrounding fibrous tissue. Botanically, the apple itself is a 'pome' fruit.

No, the fibrous part of the apple core is not poisonous and is technically safe to eat. However, the seeds inside contain amygdalin, which can be toxic if crushed and consumed in large quantities.

Not all fruits have a central core like an apple. Many fruits are classified differently, and their seeds are contained in various ways. Only certain types of fruits, known as 'pomes' (like pears and apples), have this characteristic core structure.

The core is the hard, fibrous, central part of the apple, while the seeds (or pips) are the small, dark, hard objects found inside the core's pockets. The core is edible, but the seeds are not recommended for consumption.

Yes, it is possible, but highly unlikely from casual consumption. The seeds must be crushed or chewed for the amygdalin to be released and converted into cyanide. You would need to consume a very large quantity of crushed seeds to pose a serious risk.

Most people avoid eating the apple core due to its tough, fibrous texture, which is less palatable than the flesh. There is also a common and valid concern about the seeds it contains.

The star shape you see when you slice an apple horizontally is formed by the five carpels, or seed pockets, that are arranged in the core. Each pocket may contain one or more seeds.

Yes, an apple corer is a specific tool designed to quickly and cleanly remove the core from an apple, leaving the rest of the fruit intact.