The following is an edited excerpt.
British scientists have created purple tomatoes that appear to protect against cancer
The GM tomato, which gains its unusual colour from a natural pigment known as anthocyanin, could be picked and shipped later due to its longer shelf life, allowing more time for flavour to develop on the vine.
Tests showed the shelf life of the tomatoes more than doubled from an average of 21 to 48 days after genetic modification, and they were less likely to go mouldy after harvest.
The strain has also been found in earlier studies to fight cancer in mice due to its high levels of antioxidants, and scientists say its qualities could be replicated in other soft fruits like strawberries and raspberries.
Read the original excerpt in its entirety here: Genetically modified purple tomato ‘tastier than normal varieties’
