Britain's First Black Tomatoes - Facts

Story:

UK garden center grows Britain’s first black tomatoes which contains antioxidants said to have health benefits.

The unusual fruit, which has a jet black skin, is among the first in the world to contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant thought to have a number of health benefits. Ray Brown, 66, who runs Plant World Seeds, first came across the unusual fruit when a customer sent him a mystery package entitled ‘black tomato’.

The tomatoes are believed to have been developed at Oregon State University, in America, forming part of their ‘Indigo Rose’ project. They are ripe when their color changes from a shiny blue-purple to an almost jet black, with the bottoms of the tomatoes turning red.

Other Versions

UK garden centre grows Britain’s first BLACK tomatoes and they could help fight cancer.

Analysis:

The messages show a picture of a Black Tomato plant, claiming that they are Britain’s first black tomatoes grown in a UK garden center and that they contain the beneficial antioxidant anthocyanins. Yes, it is a fact!

Picture of Britain's First Black Tomatoes — Britain’s First Black Tomatoes

As shown in the picture, they are in fact tomatoes with a jet black skin, and are grown by Ray Brown from Newton Abbot, Devon of England. The 66 year old Ray Brown runs Plant World Seeds and he happened to grow this unusual fruit for the first time when a customer sent him a mystery package entitled ‘black tomato’. These black tomatoes are believed to have been developed in America, at the Oregon State University, as a part of their ‘Indigo Rose’ project.

The black color of the tomatoes is a result of a genetic mutation. When they are ripe, the tomatoes change their color from a shiny blue-purple to an almost jet black, while the bottoms of the tomatoes turn red. This black color of tomatoes stems from the pigments in their skin, which develop when they are exposed to sunlight. Although they are black on the outside, the tomatoes are red inside and have a ‘good strong tomatoey taste.’ In the video below, Ray Brown shows and explains how he grew these black tomato plants.

Coming to the health benefits of these black tomatoes, they are rich in the beneficial anti-oxidants called anthocyanins that some people say can help fight cancer, diabetes and obesity. Anthocyanins are compounds that are generally found in fruits, vegetables and some beverages. Although Ray does not have any intention to market these black tomato plants presently, as they shall be purchased by the Oregon State University, this new variety can soon become a novelty type intended for home gardens and markets.