Posted on 01/09/2019 8:12:34 PM PST by BenLurkin
Genetically, the tomato and the pepper are long-lost relatives, having only diverged around 19 million years ago. Because of this lineage, lurking within the tomato genome is a suite of genes that can produce the spicy capsaicin compound. Normally, those genes aren't switched on, so the tomato is that sad, tasteless fruit that I've encountered on too many burgers. But the team of researchers suggest, using genetic engineering techniques, they could turn the tomato into a "biofactory", capable of producing the capsaicin molecules.
Of course, while most of us will likely think of the way that might affect our pizzas and pastas, turning the tomato into a capsaicin biofactory provides a number of benefits. Capsaicin compounds are high in antioxidants, have antitumor activity, pain managing and can even spur weight loss. Unfortunately, the pepper doesn't grow quite as easily as the tomato, which means engineering the tomato to make these compounds has practical and economical benefits -- you can get a lot more capsaicin.
The tomato is also one of the most well-understood plants in terms of genetic engineering and has a storied history of genetic modification. In 1994, a modified tomato that was resistant to rot was produced by Calgene, known as the Flavr Savr. It was the first genetically modified food available on supermarket shelves in the US but production was halted in 1997 because it wasn't profitable.
The researcher team concludes, provided they can get the technique working in tomatoes, producing capsaicin production would only be the start, with other genetic pathways in the tomato ripe for manipulation. They suggest the tomato could also be used to produce bixin, the second most important natural color additive in the food industry, and beta-carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnet.com ...
I don’t need any “engineered” spicy tomato. I married one, 45 years ago and she’s still spicy to me.
[This should keep me out of any future doghouse for a few weeks]. /sarc
“so the tomato is that sad, tasteless fruit “
Never had a good tomato, poor bastard
The best tasting tomaters have all been homegrown. Yum!
Engineer a tomato without lectins.
Then the rest of the nightshades.
Next thing you know, killer tomatoes.
A fine film.
"...engineered spicy tomato..."
Clearly the author doesn't grow his own tomatoes.
Tomato and mayo sandwich in the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t get much better than that....
I remember the super tomato from 20+ years ago. I wondered what happened. Guess we have too much food out there.
Yup! First fruit I ever grew for myself and I couldn't believe the difference. If they could do that commercially they'd really get rich. I don't want mine to taste like salsa, I want it to taste like tomato, and I'll do the rest.
i’d prefer a 10 minute getting-off pill.
Spicy Tomato? Hell, just add some salt, or paprika, or pepper, or any number of spices...and you’ll have a “spicy tomato”.
This guy must be trying for a government research grant...
You are right!
Especially garbage-pile tomatoes!
as long as they dont splice something stupid like kale or a liberal
My Dad was always about cucumbers.
Always grew his own.
Cucumber sandwiches. Salt and pepper on white bread.
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