This tomato, which gets its gorgeous purple color from blueberries, is expected to be sold in grocery stores in the United States by the end of the year.
Blueberries are very rich in antioxidants. The pigments that give blueberries their color come from anthocyanins. These anti-inflammatory compounds strengthen the immune system and fight viruses and germs, helping to protect the body against cancer and other diseases.
According to The New York Times Magazine, tomatoes have more than 30,000 genes, and some naturally produce anthocyanins. However, the amount of this anthocyanin produced is less than that produced by a blueberry. Although some tomato varieties produce anthocyanins, this amount is less than that of blueberries.
British geneticist Cathie Martin added two genes to traditional tomatoes, activating tomatoes' natural purple anthocyanin production, resulting in a super tomato with twice the antioxidants than blueberries.
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In laboratory tests, it was observed that mice that consumed purple tomatoes lived 30% longer than mice that did not.
This genetic modification can be added to different tomato varieties to produce, for example, purple cherry tomatoes. Maybe we can even see a purple ketchup on our tables soon.
These tomatoes, which have twice as many antioxidants as blueberries, have a shelf life of more than twice that of conventional tomatoes.
Due to their long durability, purple tomatoes, which do not spoil easily, are also environmentally friendly because they reduce food waste.
Tomatoes are expected to be available in US markets by the end of the year.