Tag: Indigo rose

The purple color in tomatoes comes from powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, the same pigments that give blueberries and blackberries their hue. But which varieties are purple, and are they all created equal? Whether from traditional breeding, accidental heirloom discovery, or modern genetic engineering, there are several kinds of purple tomatoes to explore.

Purple tomatoes, like the bioengineered Norfolk Purple variety, have been developed to contain high levels of anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries. The core question—do purple tomatoes have anthocyanins?—is answered with a clear yes, but the science behind how they accumulate this pigment is fascinating and varied.

Did you know that some varieties of purple cherry tomatoes contain more of the potent antioxidant anthocyanin than blueberries? Beyond their striking color, these unique fruits offer a spectrum of complex flavors and significant health benefits, making them a good and nutritious choice for any garden or salad.

Most cultivated red tomato varieties do not contain significant concentrations of anthocyanins, a powerful group of antioxidants responsible for blue and purple pigments in many plants. However, modern breeding programs and genetic engineering have successfully introduced these health-promoting compounds into new tomato types.