Tesco launches the super tomato

The tomato is the product of cross-breading by British farmers keen to utilize the potential of different varieties. The creation, which contains nearly double the amount of lycopene than a normal tomato, will be available as part of Tesco’s Healthy Living food line.

Tomatoes not only benefit health by providing vitamins such as C and E, but also contain a type of antioxidant called lycopene that has cancer fighting qualities. Lycopene is the primary carotenoid in tomatoes; it is this element that gives the fruit its distinctive red coloring.

Studies have shown that a high dietary intake of lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer. At present researchers are still determining the exact mechanism by which the carotenoid helps protect the body. As well as being a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it protects against damaging free radicals, it may also have a positive action on the immune system or even influence hormonal interactions.

As consumers become increasing savvy to the benefits and risks in eating certain foods, retailers are put under growing pressure to stock healthier options and to provide a greater variety of produce. Tesco reports that sales of ordinary tomatoes have already increased as shoppers become aware of their health benefits, so too have sales of blueberries, recently touted as one of the new ‘super foods’.

Tesco’s expanding Healthy Living range will aim to capitalize on this, by providing more of what it calls ‘functional foods’ containing added benefits.