Purple broccoli, orange cauliflower - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, Nov, 2003

After 8 years in the works, a Minneapolis-based company has shipped its first harvest of bright red corn to northern California markets. Wait a minute. Red corn?

It's the most recent example of chameleon crops bred through traditional means--not by genetic engineering to make vegetables and fruits more nutritious. Also on the way are purple broccoli, yellow carrots, red-leafed spinach and orange cauliflower.

Tests are expected to verify that the new red corn has highly elevated levels of the naturally occurring antioxidant anthocyanin. That's the source of the red in red cabbage and red grapes or the purple in the new purple broccoli and it's one of an army of plant compounds believed to combat oxidation.

These components, called phytonutrients, have been linked to cancer prevention and anti-aging benefits. For example, lycopene brings red to tomatoes, and some research suggests it can help prevent some cancers.

Interest in vegetarianism and antioxidants is already high among the general public. But the novel-look of these new vegetables may help to increase veggie intake even more one of the most important keys to a healthful diet.