A stone fruit, also known by the botanical name drupe, is a type of fruit that develops a tough, woody inner layer around its seed. That hardened inner piece is commonly called the stone or pit; the actual seed is enclosed within that structure.
Structure
Drupes typically have three layers: an outer skin, a fleshy middle layer, and a firm inner layer that surrounds the seed. These are often described as the exocarp (skin), mesocarp (flesh), and endocarp (the hard "stone"). The size, texture and thickness of each layer vary widely among species, from the soft flesh of a ripe peach to the fibrous husk of a coconut.
Common examples
- Temperate examples: peaches, plums, cherries, apricots and nectarines.
- Tropical and other forms: mangoes and coconuts represent drupes in different plant families and with very different fruit structures.
Uses and notes
Stone fruits are eaten fresh, preserved as jams or canned goods, dried, or used in cooking and baking. In some species the seed or kernel inside the stone is processed for oil or flavoring, but some kernels contain compounds that require careful handling and are not suitable for casual consumption. Commercially and culturally, drupes are important in many cuisines and agricultural markets worldwide.
