Exploring Fruits That Start with 'Apple'

What a question! It's both intriguing and straightforward. The answer is Pineapple. Pineapple is the only fruit that starts with the word 'apple' in its name. However, there are numerous other fruits with 'apple' in their names, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. Let's dive into an exploration of these fascinating fruits.

Pome Fruits and Pineapple

Fruits like pears and quince produce pomes, which are similar to apples in structure, but contain numerous stone cells in their fleshy mesocarp tissue. This structure is quite distinct from the pineapple, which has a unique spiky exterior and tastes quite different from a typical pome.

A Neologism in Latin: 'Malum'

The confusion between the apple and other fruits, particularly the pineapple, may stem from a linguistic quirk. This confusion is rooted in the Latin translation of the Bible known as the Vulgate. The word apple (Fructus mali in Latin) appears in various places, including Genesis 2:17, where the phrase eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil translates to Fructus cognoscendi bonum et malum.

Fruits Named 'Apple'

Here is a list of fruits named 'apple': Apple Appleberry Custard apple Elephant apple Golden apple Honeycrisp apple Ice apple Java apple Kei apple Kau apple Kai apple Mexican apple Rose apple Sand apple Star apple Sugar apple Velvet apple Wild custard apple Wood apple Cashew apple Guava apple

Apple Not Meaning 'Apple' in Older English

In older English, the word 'apple' simply meant 'fruit' and not the specific fruit we know today. This is why you find words like pine-apple, custard-apple, wood-apple, and rose-apple, where 'apple' in these names refers to a general 'fruit' in nature.

Exotic Fruits with 'Apple' in Their Names

Believe it or not, there are several exotic fruits found in the Philippines that end with 'apple'. Here are a few examples:

Guapple

Guapple is a curious fruit often mistaken for a guava. To find out more about the Guapple, you can check this URL. The Guapple is quite unique in both appearance and taste.

Photo Credit: Guapple and By-Products

Apple Mango

This interesting fruit is a type of Mango, though it looks like an apple and has a unique flavor that blends elements of apple and mango. It is a delightful fruit to try.

Photo Credit: Home-grown Apple Mangoes

Star Apple

The Star Apple, known locally in the Philippines as 'Caimito', is a fruit rich in flavor and native to the West Indies. It is widely cultivated in the Philippines and is quite popular.

Photo Credit: Caimito: Star Apple Fruit of the Philippines: Images

Conclusion

The exploration of these fruits named 'apple' offers a fascinating glimpse into the culinary diversity of different regions and languages. These fruits are not only a treat for the palate but also a delightful diversion for the curious mind.