Why is blue a rare color for fruits and vegetables?

In: Fruit and Vegetable Gardening

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Answer

A different chemical is employed to color different plants.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn595w.htm

Blue/purple fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called "anthocyanins." Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They may help reduce risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. Other studies have shown that eating more blueberries is linked with improved memory function and healthy aging.

These are some examples of the blue/purple group:

Blackberries
Blueberries
Eggplant
Figs
Juneberries
Plums
Prunes
Purple grapes
Raisins

First answer by Rasputin. Last edit by Rasputin. Contributor trust: 500 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 44 [recommend question]

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