Black Tomato?

The uniquely coloured tomato has black skin and contains healthy antioxidants. (SWNS)

Black tomatoes are believed to have been developed at the Oregon State University, in America, forming part of their ‘Indigo Rose’ project.

The tomato has a jet black skin, and is among the first in the world to contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant thought to have a number of health benefits.

However, the tomatoes are red on the inside.

Ray says the colour is the result of a genetic mutation. (SWNS)

The tomatoes are ripe when their colour changes from a shiny blue-purple to an almost jet black, with the bottoms of the tomatoes turning red.

Yahoo News reported that the unusual colour stems from pigments in the skin which develop when exposed to sunlight.

Ray Brown, 66, who runs Plant World Seeds, is believed to be the first person to grow black tomato in Britain.

It started when a customer sent Mr. Brown a mystery package entitled ‘black tomato’.

Now Mr Brown has three black tomato plants, each has 20 tomatoes.

“They are edible, we’ve eaten lots, they have a nice taste and a really lovely flavour,” said Mr. Brown.