Oregon University Unveil New Dark Tomato
Oregon
State University has unveiled a new tomato - the "Indigo Rose." It’s a
dark purple tomato grown using natural genetics, rather than lab
engineering. The university has been carrying out projects aiming at the
production of dark tomatoes in recent years, as they are known to
contain high levels of antioxidants.
There
is not yet proof that the variety will be more healthy, but it is
certainly striking in appearance. Jim Myers, professor of vegetable
breeding said, "It is really a different tomato. The colour – and not
only the fruit is dark purple, but the foliage will be much more purple.
On top of that, it's just a really nice-eating tomato."
Myers
says the tomato's unusual look means growers should be careful not to
pick it too early. He says it grows to the size of a golf ball, and will
lose a little of its shine, when it's ready to pick.
At least four seed companies are known to be selling the product already.
Source: news.opb.org
