What pigment causes the deep purple hue in certain tomato varieties?

Answer

Anthocyanins

The striking, deep purple coloration observed in specific tomato cultivars is directly attributable to the accumulation of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins belong to a class of pigments widely recognized for providing the vibrant colors—such as blues, purples, and reds—found in many fruits and vegetables, notably blueberries and dark grapes. While conventional red tomatoes derive their color from lycopene, the introduction or up-regulation of the genetic pathways responsible for producing anthocyanins is what creates the distinctive dark hue in these specialized varieties. This pigment shift signifies not just an aesthetic change but a consequential chemical difference in the fruit's composition, which carries significant dietary implications due to the associated antioxidant properties.

Related Questions

What pigment causes the deep purple hue in certain tomato varieties?What antioxidant primarily colors conventional garden red tomatoes?What health advantages are associated with the potent anthocyanin pigments?Where is the highest concentration of beneficial compounds generally found in purple tomatoes?Which specific anthocyanin noted for its biological activity is abundant in purple tomato skin?Besides anthocyanins, what nutrient found in red tomatoes do purple varieties also contain?How should purple tomatoes ideally be prepared to maximize intake of anthocyanins?Which specific purple tomato variety has been made available to the public sphere for cultivation?What two primary development methods account for the origins of available purple tomatoes?What does the visual difference between purple and red tomatoes directly indicate about their composition?

food health nutrition tomato purple