What is the study of fruits?

The study of fruits is called Pomology. It mainly focuses on improving fruit quality, increasing production, and reducing cultivation costs. Pomology involves research on how fruits grow, their physiology, and the best methods of cultivation. 

Earlier, when scientific photography was not available, fruits were illustrated with watercolor drawings. Many of these illustrations are still preserved in the National Agricultural Library, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, publishers, artists, and horticulturists.

Fruits usually develop from the ovary after fertilization and contain seeds. However, some fruits can also develop without fertilization through a process called parthenocarpy. Fruits are important because they protect seeds, help in seed dispersal, and provide essential nutrients like vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that are beneficial for human health.

Since fleshy fruits spoil quickly, they are preserved by refrigeration, removing oxygen from storage, or special packaging techniques. Fruits are also processed into products such as jams, jellies, juices, pickles, dried fruits, and canned items to extend their shelf life. Interestingly, some fruits also provide medicinal compounds — for example, morphine is derived from the opium poppy fruit.