What Type of Fruit is an Apple? The Definitive Botanical Answer

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

With over 7,500 known cultivars cultivated globally, the apple (Malus domestica) is one of the world's most popular fruits. While commonly enjoyed as a sweet snack, the botanical answer to what type of fruit is an apple is far more specific: it is a pome, a special category of fleshy fruits from the Rosaceae family.

Quick Summary

An apple is botanically classified as a pome, a fleshy fruit characterized by a central core containing multiple seeds. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and develops from the flower's enlarged receptacle, which forms the edible flesh.

Key Points

Pome Classification: An apple is a pome, a specialized accessory fruit that develops from the Rosaceae family.
Unique Anatomy: Unlike true berries or drupes, an apple's edible flesh is formed from the flower's enlarged receptacle, not just the ovary.
Distinct Core: Pomes are characterized by a central, papery core that contains multiple small seeds.
Grafting for Consistency: Because apple seeds are genetically diverse, commercial growers use grafting to ensure consistent fruit varieties.
Central Asian Origin: The wild ancestor of the domesticated apple originated in the mountains of Central Asia, specifically Kazakhstan.
Rich in Nutrients: Apples are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to various health benefits.

The Botanical Classification: What is a Pome?

Botanically, an apple is a pome, which is a type of accessory fruit. This means that the edible, fleshy part of the fruit is derived not just from the ovary of the flower, but primarily from the surrounding hypanthium, or floral cup, and the receptacle. The word "pome" comes from the Old French word pome, meaning "apple".

Inside the pome's juicy flesh lies the core, which contains the fruit's true ovary and carpels. Each of the five papery carpels typically holds one or two seeds. This tough, central core is a defining characteristic that distinguishes pomes from other fruit types like berries or drupes.

Apples are part of the subtribe Malinae, which is a division within the larger rose family, Rosaceae. This family also includes pears, quinces, and hawthorns, all of which produce pome fruits. The Rosaceae family is a testament to the diverse and complex relationships within the plant kingdom, as it also includes seemingly unrelated fruits like peaches and cherries, which are classified as drupes.

The Anatomy of an Apple Pome

To better understand what type of fruit an apple is, it helps to break down its anatomy. The fruit is composed of several key layers:

Epicarp: This is the outermost skin of the apple. It can be thin, waxy, and either russeted or marked with dots, and its color varies widely depending on the cultivar.
Mesocarp: The soft, fleshy part of the apple we eat is the mesocarp. In a pome, the mesocarp and epicarp can be difficult to distinguish and are fused with the accessory tissue of the hypanthium.
Endocarp: This tough, papery or leathery layer forms the core, protecting the seeds within.

Apple vs. Other Fruits: Pome vs. Drupe vs. Berry

Understanding the subtle differences in botanical classification is key to knowing what type of fruit an apple is. A comparison with other common fruit types clarifies its uniqueness.


Feature	Apple (Pome)	Peach (Drupe)	Blueberry (True Berry)
Botanical Family	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Ericaceae
Core Structure	Central core with multiple seeds in tough, papery walls	Single seed encased in a hard, stony pit (endocarp)	Multiple seeds distributed throughout fleshy pulp
Edible Part Origin	Hypanthium and receptacle surrounding the ovary	Fleshy mesocarp surrounding the hard endocarp	Entire pericarp (epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp) is fleshy
Texture	Generally crisp and firm	Soft and fleshy	Soft and juicy

The Diverse World of Apple Cultivars

Beyond its botanical classification, the sheer diversity of apple cultivars is remarkable. The more than 7,500 varieties are bred for different tastes, textures, colors, and uses. Some are ideal for fresh eating, while others are better for cooking, cider production, or long-term storage. Modern commercial varieties like Honeycrisp and Gala are prized for their sweetness and crispness, but older heirloom varieties offer unique and complex flavors that are still cherished today. This extensive genetic diversity originated from wild apples in Central Asia and was expanded through selective breeding and hybridization along ancient trade routes like the Silk Road.

How Apples Are Cultivated and Propagated

Apple trees do not grow true-to-seed. This means that an apple seed will produce a genetically unique apple tree that is different from its parent. To ensure consistent, high-quality fruit, apple trees are propagated through grafting. This process involves joining a cutting of a desired cultivar (the scion) to the root system of another tree (the rootstock). The rootstock influences the size of the tree and its hardiness, while the scion determines the type of apple produced. Most apple trees are also self-incompatible and require cross-pollination from a different apple variety, often carried out by insects like bees.

The Many Health Benefits of a Pome

As a pome, the apple offers numerous nutritional benefits. It is rich in fiber, particularly the soluble fiber called pectin, which can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Apples are also a good source of Vitamin C and various antioxidants, including quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid. Studies suggest that consuming fiber-rich fruits like apples may contribute to weight management and lower the risk of certain cancers. For the highest nutritional value, including some of the B vitamins and extra fiber, it is recommended to eat the skin of the apple.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an apple is not a simple berry or a drupe but a specialized pome fruit, distinguished by its unique anatomical structure. This classification explains the characteristic core and the fleshy edible portion that develops from the floral receptacle. Belonging to the vast Rosaceae family, the apple's journey from wild Central Asian origins to a global staple is a story of selective cultivation and botanical diversity. The next time you enjoy a crisp bite, you'll know exactly what type of fruit is an apple and appreciate the botanical complexity behind its simple, classic form. For more detailed information on its cultivation and characteristics, explore resources like the Britannica entry on the apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, an apple is not a berry. Botanically, a true berry has its multiple seeds distributed throughout the fleshy pulp and develops from a single ovary, whereas an apple is a pome with seeds contained in a distinct central core.

Pomes, like apples, have a central core containing multiple small seeds. Drupes, or stone fruits like peaches and cherries, have a single seed encased within a hard, stony pit.

Apples belong to the rose family, known botanically as Rosaceae. This family also includes related pome fruits like pears and quinces.

Apples are propagated by grafting because seeds produce genetically variable trees that often do not have the same desired fruit characteristics as the parent tree. Grafting ensures the new tree is a clone of the desired variety.

The main edible part of an apple is the fleshy hypanthium, which is the swollen floral receptacle surrounding the central core. The core contains the true fruit, which is the carpels and seeds.

The wild ancestors of the domesticated apple originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly in what is now modern-day Kazakhstan.

Yes, crabapples are also classified as pome fruits and are part of the same Malus genus as domestic apples. They are sometimes used as a pollen source or rootstock for cultivated varieties.