Frukten

Frukten is the Swedish word for fruit and, in everyday language, refers to edible plant products that are typically eaten raw. In a broader botanical sense, a fruit is the mature ovary and surrounding tissues of a flowering plant, formed after fertilization and usually containing seeds. The primary functions of fruit are to protect seeds and to aid their dispersal, often through color, aroma, and flavor that attract animals.

Botanically, fruits are classified by origin and structure. A simple fruit develops from a single ovary; aggregate fruits form from multiple ovaries of one flower; multiple fruits develop from the ovaries of several flowers in a single inflorescence. Among simple fruits, common types include drupes (stone fruits) and pomes (such as apples and pears). Berries, capsules, and other subtypes also occur, though common culinary terms do not always align with strict botanical definitions.

In human use, fruits are valued for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and natural sugars. They are a central element of diets worldwide, appear in countless dishes, and represent a significant sector of agriculture and trade. Seasonal availability and horticultural breeding influence taste, texture, and shelf life.

The etymology of frukten traces to Latin fructus, passing through Old Norse and Swedish, reflecting a long linguistic history of the word for this plant product. While frukten denotes the general concept in Swedish, many languages have their own terms and classifications for fruit.