Oregon State Univ's Purple Tomatoes: Health Benefits & Cool Color

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Researchers at Oregon State University are developing a purple tomato featuring dark skin similar to eggplant. This innovative tomato contains a pigment linked to health benefits, specifically the same phytochemical found in blueberries, which may lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. The discussion highlights the potential for these tomatoes to provide antioxidant properties akin to lycopene, a compound known for its health benefits. However, there are concerns about consumer acceptance, as some individuals express skepticism about the taste and appearance of purple tomatoes, fearing they may not resemble traditional tomatoes. The conversation also touches on how color changes in food presentation can impact consumer perception and sales, particularly in restaurants and food stores.
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Purple could be the color of the future for tomatoes.

Researchers at Oregon State University are fine-tuning a purple tomato with skin as dark as eggplant. The novel pigment not only looks cool but potentially is better for you.

It contains the same phytochemical found in blueberries that is thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. [continued]
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061020/NEWS/610200323&SearchID=73260872310650
 
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I read about those, I'd like to try some.
 
now you can get your lycopene in designer colors! lycopene is known for its antioxidant properties, i would imagine that the purple tomatoes have similar cancer fighting nutrients that blueberries have.
 
Hi Kerrie!

We have missed you.
 
I just read some stuff about restaurants and food stores having sudden drops in business when they changed their lighting or the color of paint on the walls. It turns out these changes made the food look strange colors. This was especially problematic in the case of meat since we look to its color to gage its freshness.

I wouldn't expect anything purple to taste like a tomato, and would probably not eat it voluntarily.
 
zoobyshoe said:
I wouldn't expect anything purple to taste like a tomato, and would probably not eat it voluntarily.

You remind me of my little brother. As a kid he wouldn't eat ice cream because he didn't like the way it looked.
 

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