pomme

Pomme is the French word for the apple, the edible fruit produced by the tree Malus domestica, a member of the Rosaceae family. Apples are pomaceous fruit with a core containing seeds, typically featuring crisp flesh and a skin that can be red, green, yellow, or a blend of colors. The fruit is widely consumed fresh and is also used in cooking and baking.

The term pomme comes from Old French pomme, which derives from the Latin pomum meaning fruit. In modern French, pomme designates the fruit in general, while compounds such as pomme de terre prevent ambiguity by distinguishing it from other uses of pomme.

Apple trees thrive in temperate climates and are cultivated through grafted cultivars to preserve desirable traits. Commercial orchards rely on multiple varieties to extend harvest seasons and flavor profiles. Pollination by bees is important for fruit set. In many regions, apples are harvested from late summer through autumn and are stored in cool, dry conditions to extend shelf life. Widely grown cultivars include Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious, among thousands of named selections.

Nutritionally, apples provide dietary fiber, notably pectin, and vitamin C, while being low in fat. They are commonly consumed fresh, but are also cooked into pies and sauces, pressed into juice or cider, or used in jams. Beyond their culinary uses, apples hold cultural significance in many societies and appear in various recipes, traditions, and symbols around the world.