Britain: Genetically-Modified Purple Tomatoes Heading for Shops
January 24th, 2014Via: BBC:
The prospect of genetically modified purple tomatoes reaching the shelves has come a step closer.
Their dark pigment is intended to give tomatoes the same potential health benefits as fruit such as blueberries.
Developed in Britain, large-scale production is now under way in Canada with the first 1,200 litres of purple tomato juice ready for shipping.
The pigment, known as anthocyanin, is an antioxidant which studies on animals show could help fight cancer.
Scientists say the new tomatoes could improve the nutritional value of everything from ketchup to pizza topping.
The tomatoes were developed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich where Prof Cathie Martin hopes the first delivery of large quantities of juice will allow researchers to investigate its potential.
“…if anyone is convinced that only an anthocyanin-enriched purple tomato will help save them from cancer, researchers in Brazil have produced a non-GM variety[12], and researchers at Oregon State University already have a non-GM anthocyanin-enriched purple tomato available commercially.[13]
http://www.gmwatch.org/index.php/purple-tomato-can-beat-cancer
There is also an heirloom true purple variety, (containing anthrocyanins) know as ‘Purple Smudge’
* ANTHOcyanins
Once again, the GMO industry is spouting lies about how their products are the only solution. There are literally DOZENS of Open-Pollinated, Hybrid, and Heirloom tomatoes that have high levels of anthocyanins. In addition to the above mentioned Purple Smudged, you some examples are:
Cherokee Purple
Pruden’s Purple
Indigo Rose
Chocolate Cherry
Indigo Apple
Indigo Blueberries
Don’t buy into their hype.