Old Varieties of Produce More Nutrient Packed?
JENNY FYALL
Posted April 18, 2012
OLD varieties of fruit and vegetables are being studied to find
out whether they could provide higher levels of nutrients.The three-
year study will focus on "pre-domesticated" varieties that have been
changed little by breeding.
It follows research by consumer goods
firm Unilever that found that Egremont Russet apples contained up to
ten times more of one type of nutrient than some modern varieties.Dr
Mark Berry, based at Unilever's research and development
laboratories in Bedford, who is leading the consortium, said: "The
plants we eat today like fruits and vegetables have often been bred
and selected on their weight-based yield per acre of land, and not
necessarily on the nutrient content of the produce."This research
looks to turn this approach on its head.
Perhaps a better strategy
for human health, not to mention sustainable agriculture, would be
to buy plants not based on their weight, but on their nutrient
content."The study is being carried out by a consortium including
Unilever, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Cranfield University.
© 2012 The Scotsman. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
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