What Vegetables Are Man-Made?
Humans have been artificially cultivating and crossbreeding certain vegetables in order to create advantageous new varieties. Here is a look at some of the vegetables that have been modified by man over the years.
Carrots
One of the most well-known man-made vegetables is the common carrot. Before the 1600s, carrots were grown in shapes ranging from long and slender to almost circular. However, the classic orange carrot was first developed by Dutch farmers in the 16th century. As a result of selective breeding and crossbreeding, the orange cultivar has become the most popular vegetable of its kind.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most highly modified vegetables on the market. By crossbreeding various cultivars of tomatoes, breeders have been able to achieve larger fruit size, different shapes, and novel colors. It is also very common for breeders to combine tomatoes with other vegetables in order to create hybrids such as the tomato-potato or the tomatillo.
Corn
Corn is one of the most important food crops in the world, and it is also one of the most heavily modified. Over the years, breeders have been able to manipulate the type, size, shape, and color of corn in order to create advantageous food crops.
Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most ancient vegetables and they have been modified by humans in a number of ways. Crossbreeding has resulted in different sizes, shapes, and tastes in potatoes. Similarly, breeders have been able to selectively breed potatoes to contain higher amounts of proteins and complex carbohydrates.
Celery
Celery was originally cultivated for its leaves, which were used in various European dishes. However, in the mid-19th century, celery was hybridized in order to obtain its crunchy stalks. Since then, celery has become an integral part of salads and other dishes.
Summary
- Carrots – The classic orange variety of carrots is a human-created cultivar.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes have been modified to get bigger sizes and different shapes and colors.
- Corn – Breeders have been able to manipulate the type, size, shape, and color of corn.
- Potatoes – Potatoes have been modified to contain higher amounts of proteins and complex carbohydrates.
- Celery – Celery was hybridized in order to obtain its crunchy stalks.
Man-made vegetables have been a staple of our diets for centuries. As breeders continue to modify vegetables, we can expect to see even more impressive results in the coming years.
