Pome fruits are a type of fleshy fruit produced by plants in the rose family (Rosaceae). Botanically, pomes are classified as accessory fruits, which means the edible part is not derived directly from the ovary, but from the flower’s receptacle that swells and becomes fleshy. Inside, they contain a core with several seeds, which is the true fruit. Pome fruits typically have smooth or firm skin, crisp or soft flesh, and are often juicy and aromatic. Most pomes grow on small to medium deciduous trees or shrubs.
Below is a list of well-known and lesser-known pome fruits:
1. Apple
The classic pome, apples are formed from a flower with a compound ovary and develop a fleshy outer layer from the receptacle. The central core houses the seeds. Apples belong to the Malus genus and are one of the most cultivated pome fruits globally.
2. Pear
Pears are close relatives of apples and share the same botanical structure. The core encloses the seeds, and the outer flesh is formed from the receptacle. Pears are in the genus Pyrus and are known for their gritty texture and sweet flavor.
3. Quince
The quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a hard, aromatic fruit with a similar structure to apples and pears. It develops from the same floral anatomy and ripens into a yellow, tart fruit often used in jellies and preserves.
4. Asian Pear
Also known as nashi pear, Asian pears combine the crisp texture of apples with the juiciness of pears. They are a true pome fruit and share the same internal core and seed structure.
5. Loquat
Though tropical in flavor, the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a pome fruit that grows on a small evergreen tree. Its flesh surrounds a central core and develops from the floral receptacle, fitting the botanical definition.
6. Medlar
This old-world fruit from the Mespilus genus is a true pome, though often eaten when overripe (a process called bletting). It has a core with seeds and fleshy outer parts derived from the receptacle.
7. Rowan
Rowan berries (Sorbus aucuparia) are small pomes, often used ornamentally or for jellies. Their inner structure matches that of other pome fruits, though they’re typically more bitter and astringent.
8. Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) produces small red pomes. These fruits have a tough skin and fleshy interior, with one or more seeds in a central core, and are often used medicinally or in syrups.
9. Juneberry
Also known as serviceberry or Saskatoon, Juneberries (Amelanchier spp.) are sweet, blueberry-like fruits that are botanically pomes. They have a tiny core and are formed from the swollen floral receptacle.
10. Aronia / Chokeberry
Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) are small, dark berries with astringent taste, and they are also pomes. Each fruit contains small seeds at the center surrounded by flesh derived from the floral base.
11. Whitebeam Fruit
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) produces small fruits similar to rowans. These are true pomes, with an internal seed structure and fleshy receptacle.
12. Toyon / Christmas Berry
Native to California, Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) bears small red berries that are botanically pomes. They resemble miniature apples and were traditionally used by Indigenous peoples.
13. Shipova
Shipova is a rare hybrid between a European pear and rowan, producing sweet pome fruits. The fruit’s structure matches the classic pome with a fleshy outer layer and central seed core.
14. Mayhaw
Grown mostly in the southeastern U.S., mayhaws (Crataegus aestivalis and related species) are a type of hawthorn and thus pomes. Their tart fruits are commonly used in jelly-making.
15. Knobby Russet Apple
Despite its bumpy, rough skin, the Knobby Russet is a cultivar of Malus domestica and is a true pome fruit. It has the classic apple structure with a central core and develops from the same floral parts.
Summary Table: Pome Fruits
| Fruit Name | Botanical Family | Notes on Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Rosaceae | Classic pome with fleshy receptacle |
| Pear | Rosaceae | Gritty flesh, seed core |
| Quince | Rosaceae | Tart, aromatic, used in preserves |
| Asian Pear | Rosaceae | Crisp texture, true pome |
| Loquat | Rosaceae | Tropical flavor, develops from receptacle |
| Medlar | Rosaceae | Eaten when bletted, old-world fruit |
| Rowan | Rosaceae | Small, tart pome |
| Hawthorn | Rosaceae | Used medicinally, small red pome |
| Juneberry | Rosaceae | Sweet, blueberry-like true pome |
| Aronia (Chokeberry) | Rosaceae | Astringent, seed-containing pome |
| Whitebeam fruit | Rosaceae | Lesser-known but structurally a pome |
| Toyon (Christmas Berry) | Rosaceae | California native, miniature pome |
| Shipova | Rosaceae | Hybrid, pear-rowan cross |
| Mayhaw | Rosaceae | Southern U.S. hawthorn species |
| Knobby Russet Apple | Rosaceae | Unusual skin but classic apple inside |