Purple 'super tomato' that can fight against cancer

The fruit, which tastes and smells like a normal red tomato, has been given two genes from a snapdragon flower that produce the dark colour. The distinctive hue is created by antioxidant pigments that protect against diseases including cancer, heart problems and diabetes.

 

These plum-like tomatoes have been genetically engineered to fight cancer

British scientists behind the crop believe their purple tomato is the respectable face of genetic modification and could help convince the public of the benefits of GM food.

 

But critics say the potential health benefits are a distraction from the harmful environmental side effects of GM farming.

The tomato  -  developed by the John Innes Centre in Norwich  -  contains high concentrations of anthocyanins, pigments found in blackberries and cranberries.

 

Anthocyanins are chemicals called flavonoids which mop up potentially harmful oxygen molecules in the body. Although they are produced naturally by tomato plants, they are normally found only in the leaves.

The scientists transferred the genes from the snapdragons using specially adapted bacteria.

 

Food for thought: The tomatoes could be on sale within three years - but not in Britain

 

Professor Cathie Martin, who led the John Innes research  -  the results of which are published today in the journal Nature Biotechnology  -  said one tomato contained the same anthocyanins as a spoonful of cranberries.