UK: Unilever Research Suggests Old Varities More Nutritious

Older varieties of fruits and vegetables may hold more nutrients than modern breeds, recent research suggests. A three year research project plans to get to the bottom of this and demonstrate how significant the differences are. It will focus on "pre-domesticated varieties."

The study follows on from work by Unilever that showed the Egremont Russet apple variety contained around 10 times more of a certain nutrient than some modern apple 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 that includes Unilever, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and Cranfield University.

Source: Fresh Plaza - UK: Unilever Research Suggests Old Varities More Nutritious