Boffins are on a quest to make the world’s first savoury strawberry – as demand hits its peak ahead of Wimbledon.
Researchers are now looking into developing a range of improved flavours.
It comes as millions of Brits look to stock up on strawberries and cream ahead of the famous SW19 tennis tournament that starts on Monday (3 July).
The summer dessert has been a tradition at the sporting event since 1877.
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Almost two million strawberries are consumed during the two-week tournament.
Now, breeders are using this knowledge to grow strawberries with new and improved flavours – even a savoury strawberry.
Scientists at the University of Florida are now using Genomic informed breeding to alter the texture, taste and aroma of strawberries.
They hope to develop genetic markers that will allow breeders to predict flavour in future varieties.
The gene development will also help growers produce more – keeping up with demand.
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The project will see fast tracking the development of crops with enhanced flavour, nutritional content, and resistance to drought and disease.
Professor Vance Whitaker, from the university, said: “In order to increase U.S. consumption of strawberries and other healthy fruits, we must continue to prioritise improving flavour in new varieties.
“But we also have to keep improving yield and disease resistance for our growers.
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“To do all these things at once, we have to work smarter and harder.”
In March the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act was passed, legalising genetic editing in England – opening the gates for development in the UK.
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