Scientists from the University of Wageningen have discovered that tomatoes contain more vitamin C when they are supplemented with LED light. The department of the Rijksuniversiteit Wageningen Greenhouse Horticulture has conducted research for this in collaboration with Philips. However, the research is not yet finished. Due to the positive results, the collaboration will be continued to conduct research for regular horticulture.
Tomatoes in the sun
The research of the University was of course done extensively and for that different tomato varieties were selected. In addition, special led grow lights were used that hung between the tomato plants, right by the tomato trusses. They normally hang a lot in the shade. Tomatoes grow between the leaves, which sometimes makes it difficult to get light. The tomatoes got more light with the extra led light.
More vitamin C in the tomato!
The tomato variety that gave the best result was also illuminated with an extra LED lamp. What was immediately noticeable was the high dose of vitamin C that was found in the tomato. Almost twice as much as normal. The tomatoes only received 25% more light than normal.
Continue research
The university's research is financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs under the project 'Healthy from the greenhouse'. For the research, there is collaboration with Philips, which also sells lamps for greenhouse horticulture. In the coming period, the research will also take place at other companies.
Source: https://www.wageningenur.nl/nl/show/Tomaten-met-extra-vitamine-C-dankzij-LEDbelichting.htm
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