What do you get when you cross an apricot with a plum? An aprium, of course.
Although you may not have spotted this less-fuzzy apricot, such hybrid fruits and vegetables are increasingly making their way to the produce aisle. Floyd Zaiger, a California geneticist, developed the aprium by transferring pollen between tree blossoms with an eye-shadow brush. Other companies and even the U.S. government are using crossbreeding—not to be confused with genetic engineering—to boost flavor, novelty and nutrition.
Philipp Simon, a geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created purple, red and yellow carrots, each with its own nutritional benefits. But don't be fooled by his ordinary-looking orange carrot: It packs 30 percent more beta-carotene than the regular variety. Simon is now looking to enhance the disease-fighting power of garlic.
Frankenstein Fruits and Veggies
Keep an eye out for these new snacks, plus a couple waiting on-deck. Many of these products are available in major grocery store chains. Most can also be ordered online.
Pluot
(Plum + Apricot)
Looks: Like a plum with light-orange flesh. Comes in several varieties, including the Flavor King and Flavor Queen.
Tastes: The King is spicy; the Queen is sweet.
Available: Now.
Aprium
(Apricot + Plum)
Looks: Resembles an apricot, but with less fuzzy skin.
Tastes: Sweeter than either the plum or the apricot.
Available: Now.
Colorful Carrots
Looks: Regular carrots in wild colors.
Tastes: Like a carrot. Nutrition: Each color contains a different antioxidant: Red has lycopene; yellow has lutein and purple contains anthocyanins.
Available: Now.
Nectaplum
(Nectarine + Plum)
Looks: Like a nectarine with maroon skin and white flesh.
Tastes: A slightly spicy nectarine.
Available: Now.
Red-Fleshed Kiwi
Looks: A normal kiwi but with red flesh. Nutrition: Contains higher levels of anthocyanins than in ordinary kiwis. Same high vitamin C and fiber content as the green kiwi.
Available: Still in the lab.
Peacotum
(Peach + Apricot + Plum)
Looks: Like a peach with deep purple skin.
Tastes: Like sweet fruit punch.
Available: Still in the lab.
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