Office fruit box news:
Tomatoes which stay fresh for a month longer than usual have been created by scientists.
The genetically-modified fruits remain firm for 45 days – three times as long as reular tomatoes – researchers claim.
It is believed the breakthrough could also lead to an extended shelf life for other fruits, including bananas, mangos and papayas.
Scientists lengthened the life of the tomatoes by "turning off" genes linked to the production of two enzymes which cause the fruit to begin ripening.
The modifications did not cause any other changes to the tomato plants, the researchers said.
As much as 40 per cent of harvested fruit is wasted because it ripens too quickly, the researchers from the National Institute of Plant Genomic Research in New Delhi, India, estimate.
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and it has been suggested they may also be able to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Research has also indicated that the lycopene in tomatoes can help older people stay active for longer.
Related News
- Office fruit apples 'fantastic for weight-watchers' - May 6th, 2011
- Lower heart disease risk 'with office fruit' - May 5th, 2011
- People 'could protect brains' with fresh fruit - May 4th, 2011
