MELBOURNE: Scientists say they have developed a new variety of broccoli that is not only grown naturally but also tastes sweeter and contains 40 per cent more antioxidants than usual to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Scientists at Victoria’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have discovered ‘Broccoli Booster’, a new variety that is the first in a group of supervegetables and contains more antioxidants than the regular variety, the ABC reported on Monday.
DPI lead scientist Rod Jones said the new broccoli is not the result of genetic engineering.
“All we did was go back and think about the natural diversity of nature,” he said.
Jones also said DPI works with major companies and tested 400 varieties of broccoli before selecting the one with the highest antioxidant content, and now they’ve decided to bring out a “broccoli booster.”
“It’s also about improving the health of our population as a whole by getting people to eat vegetables that we know are very good for them,” he added.
“It’s a premium branded product, so the return to manufacturers should be higher,” Jones said.
