Scientists create tomatoes that smell like popcorn using gene editing

Scientists in China have developed gene-edited tomatoes that produce a distinctive popcorn-like aroma.

Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing technology to modify key genes responsible for aroma in tomatoes, creating what they described as “extraordinary aromatic tomato plants.”

The work aims to improve flavor and scent, which often decline after tomatoes are harvested and transported.

Gene-edited tomatoes produce popcorn-like aroma

According to the study, documented in KeAi Publishing, the popcorn-like smell comes from increased levels of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, a natural compound associated with the scent of fragrant rice and buttered popcorn.

Researchers used the gene editing process to disable two tomato genes known as SlBADH1 and SlBADH2, which normally suppress the production of aromatic compounds.

By blocking these genes, the tomatoes accumulated higher levels of the aroma compound, resulting in fruit with a noticeably stronger fragrance without major changes to yield or nutritional content.

The team said the approach could eventually be applied to commercial tomato varieties to improve taste and market appeal.

Scientists noted that further work is underway to introduce the fragrance into widely grown cultivars, potentially creating new tomato varieties with more complex flavors for consumers.