A new tomato, genetically engineered to produce very high levels of the cancer-fighting antioxidant “anthocyanins”, which as a result have turned the usually red fruit into a deep purple, is set to be released in markets this year.
Anthocyanins—also found in berries—are thought to offer protection against cardiovascular disease and age-related degenerative diseases as well.
In hopes of finding ways to increase the levels of health-promoting compounds in commonly eaten fruits and vegetables, a team from the John Innes Centre, Norwich, has created purple tomatoes by integrating genes from the snapdragon flower, which is high in anthocyanins.
Tomatoes are the second most consumed fruit in the United States….