Scientists say they could genetically engineer spicy tomatoes

[Techno-Druid]

(Source)

Tomatoes are a lovely addition to a sandwich or burger, and they’re used to create all kinds of sauces and condiments that have become a staple of a western diet, but they’re also a bit, well, bland. A tomato on its own doesn’t have much bite, but scientists who specialize in genetics could change that, and perhaps even change the way tomatoes are used in the process.

In a new paper published in Trends In Plant Science, researchers suggest that by studying the DNA of the chili pepper, which is a cousin of the tomato, they could give the veggies a potent kick. By altering tomatoes to produce capsaicinoids — the compounds that cause the burning sensation in our mouths when we eat something spicy — the scientists believe they could make mass production of capsaicin for various commercial uses.

“Engineering the capsaicinoid genetic pathway to the tomato would make it easier and cheaper to produce this compound, which has very interesting applications,” Agustin Zsögön, senior author of the study, said in a statement. “We have the tools powerful enough to engineer the genome of any species; the challenge is to know which gene to engineer and where.”

Capsaicin has a number of uses that go beyond adding spice to your dinner. The compound has shown promise in pharmaceutical trials as a treatment for nerve damage and associated pain, and it’s also used in the production of pepper spray and as a pest deterrent. A tomato plant that produces capsaicin could make it easier and cheaper to produce large quantities of the compound more rapidly.

However, the process of genetically tweaking a tomato species to generate the compound naturally is challenging, and determining which genes are directly responsible for its production will take time. That said, researchers are indeed working towards that goal, and it might not be too long before we see a tomato that bites back

Would you try a spicy tomato? I'm definitely a fan of spicy foods but I don't think that any dish that I usually incorporate tomatoes into would really taste better spicier.

EDIT: Fried green spicy tomatoes, that could be good I guess.

[Acidbaron]

Not a fan of gene engineering anything that you can easily achieve through other means. You can make a tomato spicy by adding herbs or spices to it. Why toy around with nature on that level when we don't understand it all completely yet, for the sake of a spicy fruit.

[Deleted]

Is everything you post food related?

[Pannonian]

Not a fan of gene engineering anything that you can easily achieve through other means. You can make a tomato spicy by adding herbs or spices to it. Why toy around with nature on that level when we don't understand it all completely yet, for the sake of a spicy fruit.

You are aware that the tomatoes we are eating every day are a product of gene manipulation?

[Logwyn]

Not a fan of gene engineering anything that you can easily achieve through other means. You can make a tomato spicy by adding herbs or spices to it. Why toy around with nature on that level when we don't understand it all completely yet, for the sake of a spicy fruit.

Humans have been doing genetic engineering for centuries even since we realized that breeding certain traits with other traits gave us something we like. A good majority of the fruits and veggies we have today look nothing like what we had in years past. All the above does is is speed up the process.

But I'll agree. I don't want a spicy tomato. I'll accidently pick one up at the store when I want a regular one!!!!

[Pum]

Not a fan of gene engineering anything that you can easily achieve through other means. You can make a tomato spicy by adding herbs or spices to it. Why toy around with nature on that level when we don't understand it all completely yet, for the sake of a spicy fruit.

Genetically engineered foods are the future of population sustainability, better start getting used to it.

Also, we've been genetically engineering foods and animals for centuries, where have you been?

[johnhoftb]

Not a fan of gene engineering anything that you can easily achieve through other means. You can make a tomato spicy by adding herbs or spices to it. Why toy around with nature on that level when we don't understand it all completely yet, for the sake of a spicy fruit.

It should be pointed out, we've done this sort of genetic engineering since humans have been a thing.

Previous genetic engineering took generations, but lab based genetic engineering can be much faster.

We likely could have made spicy tomatoes eventually.

[Hilhen7]

Spiceatoes, I would try it out. Why not...

[Teri]

Or just use Jalapeno or other peppers.

[ellieg]

I'm all abt it. Put it on a burger and you're good to go

[XDurionX]

[Jibjub]

Is the world really ready for spicy fruits?

But... but... but... chili peppers (which include jalapenos and habaneros and ghost peppers) ARE fruits.

The future is now! We already have spicy fruits!!

[Draco-Onis]

Question is why would you? at least if you make one yourself you can control the spice level seems like a waste but if there is a market for it go right ahead.

[Techno-Druid]

Question is why would you? at least if you make one yourself you can control the spice level seems like a waste but if there is a market for it go right ahead.

Apparently it would be more efficient to produce the Capsaicins from tomatoes.

Capsaicin has a number of uses that go beyond adding spice to your dinner. The compound has shown promise in pharmaceutical trials as a treatment for nerve damage and associated pain, and it’s also used in the production of pepper spray and as a pest deterrent. A tomato plant that produces capsaicin could make it easier and cheaper to produce large quantities of the compound more rapidly.

[Kyphael]

So a jalamato? Or a Tomapeno?

Really wish food scientists would work on something more creative than merging vegetables and fruits. What's the point? To make mixing salsa easier?

[ashblond]

Is everything you post food related?

Food is the best.

Btw, how is Tao Te Ching?

[Crillam]

Not a fan of gene engineering anything that you can easily achieve through other means. You can make a tomato spicy by adding herbs or spices to it. Why toy around with nature on that level when we don't understand it all completely yet, for the sake of a spicy fruit.

Because we can and have done it before. Now making a tomato spicy is... well not really needed but still.

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People should get over their ridiculous fetish with capsaicin and realise that spicy means so much more than heat.

It means tasty AF!

[Independent voter]

Aren't tomatoes in the same family as peppers?

Potatoes too?

[Daedius]

Still waiting for my Tomacco...

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Aren't tomatoes in the same family as peppers?

Potatoes too?

Potatoes grow underground... o.O;

[Techno-Druid]

Aren't tomatoes in the same family as peppers?

Potatoes too?

Tomatoes are in the nightshade family, which include tomatillos, squash, peppers and eggplants, all of which originate from the Americas. Potatoes are tubers, which is like a root-like growth.