An antioxidant-rich plum that could protect against cancer and heart disease is being developed by Australian scientists.
The plum, which has been growing in the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries research centre, in Stanthorpe, Queensland, has around seven times as many antioxidants as other plums.
The research centre’s horticulture and forestry science general manager John Chapman said: “It has as many antioxidants as a glass of good red wine but none of the alcohol. It has been developed because of the health benefits and that is an area we are pursuing.”
The Stanthorpe research centre is also involved in a number of other projects to develop drought-resistant and nutritionally advanced crops.
Chapman said:"We are also breeding tomatoes with high levels of anti-prostate cancer antioxidants.
"There's a whole range of stuff going on. Food that can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and food with really low GI which can help with weight loss."
Also under development are flat nectarinse, tropical sweetcorn and a new fruit, known to researchers as ruby fruit, which is a red-fleshed hybrid of the custard apple.
The new fruit, which is soon to be released is tipped by developers to be highly valuable to Australian producers, with a strong market anticipated in Asia.
