Stone fruits and pomes are two categories of fruits distinguished by their structure. Stone fruits, such as peaches, plums, and cherries, have a single hard pit or "stone" inside, surrounded by juicy flesh. This stone contains the seed, which can grow into a new plant. Pomes, on the other hand, include fruits like apples and pears. They have a core that contains several seeds, surrounded by a fleshy outer layer. The structure of pomes allows for a different texture and flavor profile compared to stone fruits, making them popular in various culinary uses.