Crossword Genius

Essence of fruit stone hearts (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pith

'essence' is the definition.
('pith' can be a synonym of 'essence')

'fruit stone hearts' is the wordplay.
'fruit stone' becomes 'pit' (I've seen this before).
'hearts' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in card games e.g. bridge).
'pit'+'h'='PITH'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for pith that I've seen before include "hats may be made of this" , "Fibrous part of fruit - essence" , "Soft tissue; essence" , "Spongy tissue like that lining an orange skin" , "Essence; tissue inside rind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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