pomes

Pomes are a type of fruit produced by certain flowering plants in the Rosaceae family. They are classified as accessory fruits, in which the fleshy edible portion is derived primarily from the enlarged receptacle or hypanthium surrounding the true fruit, which consists of the seed-containing carpels. The central core houses the seeds and is botanically the true fruit, while the surrounding fleshy tissue is the edible part.

In pomes, the edible flesh is typically juicy and palatable, with the core staying firm. This fruit form is characteristic of the subtribe Maloideae (also called Maloideae or Maleae) within Rosaceae, though modern classifications often place these genera elsewhere within the broader Rosaceae family.

Common examples include apple (Malus domestica), pear (Pyrus communis), and quince (Cydonia oblonga). Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is another traditional pomaceous fruit. Several related genera in the Maloideae produce pomes as well, and some wild or ornamental species such as serviceberry and certain rowan varieties are described as producing pomes in various classifications.

Pomes are among the most economically important fruit types, cultivated globally for fresh consumption and processing. They are grown in diverse climates and storage conditions, with breeding programs often focusing on disease resistance, fruit size, texture, sweetness, and shelf life. The distinctive structure of the pome—edible flesh derived largely from the receptacle with a central seed-containing core—helps distinguish it from other fruit types such as drupes and aggregate fruits.