What does the fruit symbolize in the Genesis mean?

Fruit is usually associated with fertility, youth, sensuality, etc. Comparing a woman to a sun ripened fruit would suggest that she is in her prime. Rotten fruit can symbolize decay and excess. Certain fruits have particular symbolism. Apples, for example, thanks to Milton often allude to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In that context the Apple often symbolizes knowledge, sin, and temptation. Pomegranates were the fruit of the underworld in ancient Greece and sometimes are used to convey death.