UK team creates anthocyanin-rich tomatoes

A team of UK scientists have expressed genes from the snapdragon flower in tomatoes to grow purple tomatoes high in health-protecting anthocyanins - the naturally-occurring pigments found at particularly high levels in berries such as blackberry, cranberry and chokeberry.

Led by Cathie Martin from the UK's John Innes Centre, the researchers aimed to develop vegetables which are more rich in nutrients in order to make it easier for people to achieve their quota of five a day.

Anthocyanins offer protection against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and age-related degenerative diseases. There is evidence that they also have anti-inflammatory activity, promote visual acuity and hinder obesity and diabetes.