Editing Fruit

[[File:Fruit Stall in Barcelona Market.jpg|thumb|Several [[List of culinary fruits|culinary fruits]]]]
[[File:Culinary fruits front view.jpg|thumb|Culinary fruits]]
[[File:Fruit Basket.jpg|thumb|Fruit basket painted by [[Balthasar van der Ast]]]]
[[File:Bartolomeo Bimbi.jpg|thumb|The [[Medici]] [[citrus]] collection by [[Bartolomeo Bimbi]], 1715]]
[[File:2004fruit & vegetable.PNG|thumb|Fruit and [[vegetable]] output in 2004]]

In [[botany]], a '''fruit''' is a part of a [[angiosperms|flowering plant]] that derives from specific [[Tissue (biology)|tissues]] of the [[flower]], mainly one or more [[Ovary (plants)|ovaries]].  Fruits are the means by which many plants disseminate seeds. Many plants bearing edible fruits, in particular, have propagated with the movements of humans and animals in a [[Symbiosis|symbiotic relationship]] as a means for [[seed dispersal]] and [[nutrition]], respectively; in fact, humans and many animals have become dependent on fruits as a source of food. Fruits account for a substantial fraction of the world's [[agriculture|agricultural]] output, and some (such as the apple and the [[pomegranate]]) have acquired extensive cultural and symbolic meanings.

The section of a [[fungus]] that produces [[spore]]s is also called a fruiting body.

In common language usage, fruit normally means the fleshy seed-associated structures of a plant that are sweet and edible in the raw state, such as [[apple]]s, [[Orange (fruit)|orange]]s, [[grape]]s, [[garden strawberry|strawberries]], and [[banana]]s. On the other hand, the botanical sense includes many structures that are not commonly called "fruits", such as [[bean]] pods, [[maize|corn]] [[Seed|kernels]], [[wheat]] grains, and [[tomato]]es.

==Botanic fruit and culinary fruit==
[[Image:Botanical Fruit and Culinary Vegetables.png|thumb|300px|[[Euler diagram]] representing the relationship between (culinary) vegetables and botanical fruits]]
In the culinary sense of these words, a fruit is usually any sweet-tasting plant product, especially those associated with seeds; a [[vegetable]] is any [[Savoriness|savoury]] or less sweet plant product; and a nut is any hard, oily, and shelled plant product.

These culinary vegetables that are botanically fruit include [[cucurbitaceae|cucurbits]] (e.g., [[Squash (plant)|squash]], [[pumpkin]], and [[cucumber]]), [[tomato]]es, [[pea]]s, [[bean]]s, [[maize|corn]], [[eggplant]], and sweet [[bell pepper|pepper]]. In addition, some [[spice]]s, such as [[allspice]] and [[Chili pepper|chilies]], are fruits, botanically speaking.
In contrast, [[rhubarb]] is often referred to as a fruit, because it is used to make sweet desserts such as pies, though only the [[petiole (botany)|petiole]] of the rhubarb plant is edible.
Edible gymnosperm seeds are often given fruit names, e.g., [[Pine Nut|pine nuts]], [[Ginkgo biloba|ginkgo]] nuts.

Botanically, a [[cereal]] grain, such as [[maize|corn]], [[wheat]] or [[rice]], is also a kind of fruit, termed a [[caryopsis]]. However, the fruit wall is very thin, and is fused to the seed coat, so almost all of the edible grain is actually a [[seed]].

Many common terms for seeds and fruit do not correspond to the botanical classifications. In botany, seeds are ripened ovules; fruits are the ripened ovaries or carpels that contain the seeds and a [[Nut (fruit)|nut]] is a type of fruit and not a seed.

==Fruit development==
[[Image:Nectarine Fruit Development.jpg|thumb|The development sequence of a typical [[drupe]], the [[nectarine]] (''Prunus persica'') over a 7.5 month period, from bud formation in early winter to fruit ripening in midsummer (see [[:Image:Nectarine Fruit Development.jpg|image page]] for further information)]]


A fruit results from maturation of one or more flowers, and the [[gynoecium]] of the flower(s) forms all or part of the fruit.

Inside the ovary/ovaries are one or more [[ovule]]s where the [[megagametophyte]] contains the egg cell. After [[double fertilization]], these ovules will become seeds. The ovules are fertilized in a process that starts with [[pollination]], which involves the movement of pollen from the stamens to the stigma of flowers. After pollination, a tube grows from the pollen through the stigma into the ovary to the ovule and two sperm are transferred from the pollen to the megagametophyte. Within the megagametophyte one of the two sperm unites with the egg, forming a [[zygote]], and the second sperm enters the central cell forming the endosperm mother cell, which completes the double fertilization process.Later the zygote will give rise to the embryo of the seed, and the endosperm mother cell will give rise to [[endosperm]], a nutritive tissue used by the embryo.

As the ovules develop into seeds, the ovary begins to ripen and the ovary wall, the ''pericarp'', may become fleshy (as in berries or [[drupe]]s), or form a hard outer covering (as in nuts). In some multiseeded fruits, the extent to which the flesh develops is proportional to the number of fertilized ovules.
The pericarp is often differentiated into two or three distinct layers called the ''exocarp'' (outer layer, also called epicarp), ''mesocarp'' (middle layer), and ''endocarp'' (inner layer). In some fruits, especially simple fruits derived from an [[inferior ovary]], other parts of the flower (such as the floral tube, including the [[petal]]s, [[sepal]]s, and [[stamen]]s), fuse with the ovary and ripen with it.  In other cases, the sepals, petals and/or stamens and [[Gynoecium|style]] of the flower fall off. When such other floral parts are a significant part of the fruit, it is called an ''[[accessory fruit]]''. Since other parts of the flower may contribute to the structure of the fruit, it is important to study flower structure to understand how a particular fruit forms.

There are three general modes of fruit development:
* Apocarpous fruits develop from a single flower having one or more separate carpels, and they are the simplest fruits.
* Syncarpous fruits develop from a single gynoecium having two or more carpels fused together.
* Multiple fruits form from many different flowers.

Plant scientists have grouped fruits into three main groups, simple fruits, aggregate fruits, and composite or multiple fruits. The groupings are not evolutionarily relevant, since many diverse plant [[taxa]] may be in the same group, but reflect how the flower organs are arranged and how the fruits develop.

===Simple fruit===
[[Image:vaccinium.jpg|thumb|Epigynous berries are simple fleshy fruit. Clockwise from top right: [[Cranberry|cranberries]], [[lingonberries]], [[blueberries]] red [[Huckleberry|huckleberries]]]]

Simple fruits can be either dry or fleshy, and result from the ripening of a simple or compound ovary in a flower with only one [[Carpel|pistil]]. Dry fruits may be either [[dehiscent]] (opening to discharge seeds), or indehiscent (not opening to discharge seeds). Types of dry, simple fruits, with examples of each, are:
*[[achene]] - Most commonly seen in aggregate fruits (e.g. [[strawberry]])
*[[Capsule (fruit)|capsule]] – ([[Brazil nut]])
*[[caryopsis]] – ([[wheat]])
*[[Achene|Cypsela]] - An achene-like fruit derived from the individual florets in a [[Head (botany)|capitulum]] (e.g. [[dandelion]]).
*[[drupe|fibrous drupe]] – ([[coconut]], [[walnut]])
*[[Follicle (fruit)|follicle]] – is formed from a single carpel, and opens by one suture (e.g. [[milkweed]]). More commonly seen in aggregate fruits (e.g. [[magnolia]])
*[[legume]] – ([[pea]], [[bean]], [[peanut]])
*[[loment]] - a type of [[indehiscent]] legume
*[[Nut (fruit)|nut]] – ([[hazelnut]], [[beech]], oak [[acorn]])
*[[samara (fruit)|samara]] – ([[elm]], [[Ash tree|ash]], [[maple]] key)
*[[schizocarp]] – ([[carrot]] seed)
*[[silique]] – ([[radish]] seed)
*[[silicle]] – ([[shepherd's purse]])
*[[utricle (fruit)|utricle]] – ([[beet]])
[[Image:Lilyfruit.jpg|upright|thumb|''[[Lilium]]'' unripe capsule fruit]]
Fruits in which part or all of the ''pericarp'' (fruit wall) is fleshy at maturity are ''simple fleshy fruits''. Types of fleshy, simple fruits (with examples) are:
*[[berry]] – ([[redcurrant]], [[gooseberry]], [[tomato]], [[cranberry]])
*stone fruit or [[drupe]] ([[plum]], [[cherry]], [[peach]], [[apricot]], [[olive]])

[[Image:DewberriesWeb.jpg|left|thumb|upright|[[Dewberry]] flowers. Note the multiple [[pistil]]s, each of which will produce a [[drupe]]let. Each flower will become a blackberry-like [[aggregate fruit]].]]
An aggregate fruit, or ''etaerio'', develops from a single flower with numerous simple pistils.

*[[Magnolia]] and [[Peony]],  collection of follicles developing from one flower.
*[[Sweet gum]], collection of capsules.
*[[Sycamore]], collection of achenes.
*[[Teasel]], collection of cypsellas
*[[Tuliptree]], collection of samaras.

The [[pome]] fruits of the family [[Rosaceae]], (including [[apple]]s, [[pear]]s, [[rosehip]]s, and [[saskatoon berry]]) are a syncarpous fleshy fruit, a simple fruit, developing from a half-inferior ovary.

[[Schizocarp]] fruits form from  a syncarpous ovary and do not really [[dehiscence (botany)|dehisce]], but split into segments with one or more seeds; they include a number of different forms from a wide range of families. Carrot seed is an example.

===Aggregate fruit===
[[image:Longitudinal section of raspberry flower.gif|thumb|Detail of raspberry [[flower]].]]
Aggregate fruits form from single flowers that have multiple carpels which are not joined together, i.e. each pistil contains one carpel. Each pistil forms a fruitlet, and collectively the fruitlets are called an etaerio. Four types of aggregate fruits include etaerios of achenes, follicles, drupelets, and berries.  Ranunculaceae species, including ''[[Clematis]]'' and ''[[Ranunculus]]'' have an etaerio of achenes, ''[[Calotropis]]'' has an etaerio of follicles, and ''[[Rubus]]'' species like raspberry, have an etaerio of drupelets. ''[[Annona]]'' have Etaerio of berries.

The [[raspberry]], whose pistils are termed ''drupelets'' because each is like a small [[drupe]] attached to the receptacle. In some [[bramble]] fruits (such as [[blackberry]]) the receptacle is elongated and part of the ripe fruit, making the blackberry an ''aggregate-accessory'' fruit. The [[strawberry]] is also an aggregate-accessory fruit, only one in which the seeds are contained in [[achene]]s. In all these examples, the fruit develops from a single flower with numerous pistils.

===Multiple fruits===
Main:[[Multiple fruit]]
A multiple  fruit is one formed from a cluster of flowers (called an ''[[inflorescence]]''). Each flower produces a fruit, but these mature into a single mass. Examples are the [[pineapple]], [[ficus|fig]], [[mulberry]], [[osage-orange]], and [[breadfruit]].

[[Image:Noni fruit dev.jpg|thumb|In some plants, such as this [[noni]], flowers are produced regularly along the stem and it is possible to see together examples of flowering, fruit development, and fruit ripening.]]
In the photograph on the right, stages of flowering and fruit development in the [[noni]] or Indian mulberry (''Morinda citrifolia'') can be observed on a single branch. First an inflorescence of white flowers called a head is produced. After [[Fertilization#Fertilisation in plants|fertilization]], each flower develops into a drupe, and as the drupes expand, they become ''connate'' (merge) into a ''multiple fleshy fruit'' called a ''syncarpet''.

===Berries===
Main:[[Berry]]
Berries are another type of fleshy fruit; they are simple fruit created from a single ovary. The ovary may be compound, with several carpels. Type include (examples follow in the table below):
* [[Berry|Pepo]] – Berries where the skin is hardened, [[Cucurbitaceae|cucurbits]]
* [[Hesperidium]] – Berries with a rind and a juicy interior, like most [[citrus]] fruit

===Aggregate fruit===
Main:[[Aggregate fruit]]
Aggregate fruit are formed from the merger of different ovaries of a single flower.

===Accessory fruit===
Main:[[Accessory fruit]]
Some or all of the edible part of accessory fruit is not generated by the ovary.

===Table of fruit examples===


==Seedless fruits==
[[Image:FruitArrangement.jpg|thumb||An arrangement of fruits commonly thought of as vegetables, including [[tomato]]es and various [[Squash (fruit)|squash]]]]
Seedlessness is an important feature of some fruits of commerce. Commercial [[cultivars]] of [[banana]]s and [[pineapples]] are examples of [[seedless fruit]]s. Some cultivars of [[citrus]] fruits (especially navel [[Orange (fruit)|oranges]]), [[Mikan|satsuma]]s, [[mandarin orange]]s, [[table grape]]s, [[grapefruit]], and [[watermelon]]s are valued for their seedlessness. In some species, seedlessness is the result of ''[[parthenocarpy]]'', where fruits set without fertilization. Parthenocarpic fruit set may or may not require pollination but most seedless citrus fruits require stimulus from pollination to produce fruit.

Seedless bananas and grapes are [[triploid]]s, and seedlessness results from the abortion of the [[embryo]]nic plant that is produced by fertilization, a phenomenon known as ''[[stenospermocarpy]]'' which requires normal pollination and fertilization.

==Seed dissemination==
Variations in fruit structures largely depend on the [[Biological dispersal|mode of dispersal]] of the seeds they contain. This dispersal can be achieved by animals, wind, water, or [[explosive dehiscence]].

Some fruits have coats covered with spikes or hooked burrs, either to prevent themselves from being eaten by [[animal]]s or to stick to the hairs, feathers or legs of animals, using them as dispersal agents. Examples include [[cocklebur]] and [[unicorn plant]].

The sweet flesh of many fruits is "deliberately" appealing to animals, so that the seeds held within are eaten and "unwittingly" carried away and deposited at a distance from the parent. Likewise, the nutritious, oily kernels of [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]] are appealing to rodents (such as [[squirrel]]s) who [[hoarding|hoard]] them in the soil in order to avoid starving during the winter, thus giving those seeds that remain uneaten the chance to [[Germination|germinate]] and grow into a new plant away from their parent.

Other fruits are elongated and flattened out naturally and so become thin, like wings or helicopter blades, e.g. [[maple]], [[tuliptree]] and [[elm]]. This is an [[evolution]]ary mechanism to increase dispersal distance away from the parent via wind. Other wind-dispersed fruit have tiny ''parachutes'', e.g. [[dandelion]] and [[salsify]].

[[Coconut]] fruits can float thousands of miles in the ocean to spread seeds. Some other fruits that can disperse via water are [[nipa palm]] and [[screw pine]].

Some fruits fling seeds substantial distances (up to 100m in [[sandbox tree]]) via [[explosive dehiscence]] or other mechanisms, e.g. [[impatiens]] and [[squirting cucumber]].

==Uses==
[[Image:Stewed nectarines.JPG|thumb|[[Nectarine]]s are one of many fruits that can be easily stewed.]]
[[Image:Misc fruit.jpg|thumb|Misc fruit.jpg|Oranges, bananas, pears, apples, and a watermelon]]
[[Image:Fruit bowl.jpg|ממוזער|thumb|Fruit bowl containing [[pomegranate]], [[pear]]s, [[apple]]s, [[banana]]s, an [[Orange (fruit)|orange]] and a [[guava]]]]
Many hundreds of fruits, including fleshy fruits like [[apple]], [[peach]], [[pear]], [[kiwifruit]], [[watermelon]] and [[mango]] are commercially valuable as [[human]] food, eaten both fresh and as jams, marmalade and other [[food preservation|preserves]]. Fruits are also used in manufactured foods like [[cookie]]s, [[muffin]]s, [[yogurt]], [[ice cream]], [[cake]]s, and many more. Many fruits are used to make beverages, such as fruit juices ([[orange juice]], [[apple juice]], [[grape juice]], etc.) or [[alcoholic beverages]], such as [[wine]] or [[brandy]]. [[Apple]]s are often used to make [[vinegar]]. Fruits are also used for gift giving, [[Fruit Basket]] and [[Fruit Bouquet]] are some common forms of fruit gifts.

Many vegetables are botanical fruits, including [[tomato]], [[bell pepper]], [[eggplant]], [[okra]], [[Squash (fruit)|squash]], [[pumpkin]], [[green bean]], [[cucumber]] and [[zucchini]]. [[Olive]] fruit is pressed for [[olive oil]]. Spices like [[vanilla]], [[paprika]], [[allspice]] and [[black pepper]] are derived from berries.

===Nutritional value===
Fruits are generally high in [[fiber]], [[water]], [[vitamin C]] and sugars, although this latter varies widely from traces as in lime, to 61% of the fresh weight of the [[Phoenix dactylifera|date]]. Fruits also contain various [[phytochemicals]] that do not yet have an RDA/RDI listing under most nutritional factsheets, and which research indicates are required for proper long-term cellular health and disease prevention. Regular consumption of fruit is associated with reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease (especially coronary heart disease), stroke, Alzheimer disease, cataracts, and some of the functional declines associated with aging.

Diets that include a sufficient amount of potassium from fruits and vegetables also help reduce the chance of developing kidney stones and may help reduce the effects of bone-loss. Fruits are also low in calories which would help lower one's calorie intake as part of a weight-loss diet.

===Nonfood uses===
Because fruits have been such a major part of the human diet, different cultures have developed many different uses for various fruits that they do not depend on as being edible. Many dry fruits are used as decorations or in dried flower arrangements, such as [[unicorn plant]], [[Nelumbo|lotus]], [[wheat]], [[annual honesty]] and [[milkweed]]. Ornamental trees and shrubs are often cultivated for their colorful fruits, including [[holly]], [[pyracantha]], [[viburnum]], [[skimmia]], [[beautyberry]] and [[cotoneaster]].

Fruits of [[opium poppy]] are the source of [[opium]] which contains the drugs [[morphine]] and [[codeine]], as well as the biologically inactive chemical theabaine from which the drug oxycodone is synthysized. [[Osage orange]] fruits are used to repel [[cockroach]]es. [[Bayberry]] fruits provide a wax often used to make candles. Many fruits provide [[natural dye]]s, e.g. [[walnut]], [[sumac]], [[cherry]] and [[mulberry]]. Dried [[gourd]]s are used as decorations, water jugs, bird houses, musical instruments, cups and dishes. [[Pumpkin]]s are carved into [[Jack-o'-lantern]]s for [[Halloween]]. The spiny fruit of [[burdock]] or [[cocklebur]] were the inspiration for the invention of [[Velcro]].

[[Coir]] is a fibre from the fruit of [[coconut]] that is used for doormats, brushes, mattresses, floortiles, sacking, insulation and as a growing medium for container plants. The shell of the coconut fruit is used to make souvenir heads, cups, bowls, musical instruments and bird houses.

Fruit is often used as a subject of still life paintings.

==Safety==
For [[food safety]], the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|CDC]] recommends proper fruit handling and preparation to reduce the risk of [[food contamination]] and [[foodborne illness]]. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be carefully selected. At the store, they should not be damaged or bruised and pre-cut pieces should be refrigerated or surrounded by ice. All fruits and vegetables should be rinsed before eating. This recommendation also applies to produce with rinds or skins that are not eaten. It should be done just before preparing or eating to avoid premature spoilage. Fruits and vegetables should be kept separate from raw foods like meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as utensils that have come in contact with raw foods. Fruits and vegetables, if they are not going to be cooked, should be thrown away if they have touched raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. All cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated within two hours. After a certain time, harmful bacteria may grow on them and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

==Storage==
The plant hormone [[ethylene]] causes [[ripening]] of many types of fruit. Maintaining most fruits in an efficient [[cold chain]] is optimal for post harvest storage, with the aim of extending and ensuring shelf life. All fruits benefit from proper post harvest care.

==See also==
* [[Fruit tree]]
* [[Fruitarianism]]
* [[List of culinary fruits]]

==References==
{{Wikipedia}}
==Further reading==
;Books
* Gollner, Adam J. (2010). ''The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Adventure, Commerce, and Obsession''. Scribner.  ISBN 978-0-7432-9695-3
* Watson, R.R. / Preedy, V.R. (2010, eds.). ''Bioactive Foods in Promoting Health: Fruits and Vegetables''. Academic Press.  ISBN 978-0-12-374628-3

==External links==
*[http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/pages/fruit-devel.htm Images of fruit development from flowers] at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu
*[http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/pages/fruit-seed-dispersal.htm Fruit and seed dispersal images] at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu
*[http://www.crfg.org/pubs/frtfacts.html Fruit Facts] from California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc.
*[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Fruit Encyclopædia Britannica 1911 on Fruit]
*[http://crosstree.info/Documents/Fruit%20ID0.pdf Photo ID of Fruits] by Capt. Pawanexh Kohli

[[Category:Fruit| ]]
[[Category:Fruit morphology]]
[[Category:Pollination]]