Pomes include apples, pears, quince, and loquats. These fruits develop from the flower's receptacle rather than the ovary alone, producing a fleshy exterior around a core of small seeds (rather than a single stone).

Most pomes ripen best off the tree and store exceptionally well when kept cold. They are ethylene producers, so store them away from ethylene-sensitive produce. Handle gently, as many bruise easily.