Australia’s first bioengineered tomato, Purple Bliss, has landed in Victoria, offering a revolutionary, high-antioxidant superfood with a sweet flavour and striking aesthetic.
Grown in Queensland’s Clearview Valley, Victoria is the first state to access Purple Bliss tomatoes, which are available exclusively in independent greengrocers. Very limited punnets will then make their way to select greengrocers in Queensland and New South Wales in the coming weeks, depending on supply.
Enriched with the same heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory antioxidants (anthocyanins) found in blueberries and blackberries, Purple Bliss is a major scientific milestone, with two genes from the snapdragon flower introduced to switch on the tomato’s natural antioxidant pathway.
Unlike standard tomatoes, Purple Bliss expresses a vibrant purple hue that extends to both its skin and flesh, offering a noticeably sweeter flavour profile with a signature cherry tomato “burst”. This makes Purple Bliss ideal for snacking, salads, sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
All Aussie Farmers Managing Director Travis Murphy said Purple Bliss was a proud achievement for Australia, as they were the first genetically modified whole food to be grown and sold in Australia with regulatory approval.
“Purple Bliss is a scientific breakthrough in Australian-grown produce, and we’re excited to be bringing this premium tomato with enhanced nutritional benefits to consumers,” he said.
Independent greengrocer Graham Gee said local retailers were excited to be the exclusive home of the groundbreaking new tomatoes.
“It is great to be able to offer our customers something genuinely revolutionary. Purple Bliss isn’t just incredible to look at and packed with antioxidants, it tastes amazing. The fact that it’s available exclusively through independent greengrocers gives shoppers a fantastic reason to visit their local fruit and veg shop and taste the future of fresh produce first,” he said.
Purple Bliss tomatoes are now available at premium independent green grocers across Melbourne.
PURPLE BLISS FAST FACTS:
- Deep indigo colouring, similar to that of a plum
- Similar antioxidants as blueberries
- Twice the shelf life of standard tomatoes
- The introduction of snapdragon genes doubles the antioxidants (anthocyanins) to deliver heart, lung and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Developed by Norfolk Plant Sciences and launched by Norfolk Healthy Produce as the first commercially successful bioengineered tomato in the world
To find a local greengrocer, visitabetterchoice.com.au.