Hybrid Fruits Help Fight Disease

What do you get when you cross an apricot with a plum? An aprium, of course.

Although you may not have spotted this less-fuzzy apricot, such hybrid fruits and vegetables are increasingly making their way to the produce aisle. Floyd Zaiger, a California geneticist, developed the aprium by transferring pollen between tree blossoms with an eye-shadow brush. Other companies and even the U.S. government are using crossbreeding—not to be confused with genetic engineering—to boost flavor, novelty and nutrition.

Philipp Simon, a geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created purple, red and yellow carrots, each with its own nutritional benefits. But don't be fooled by his ordinary-looking orange carrot: It packs 30 percent more beta-carotene than the regular variety. Simon is now looking to enhance the disease-fighting power of garlic.

Frankenstein Fruits and Veggies

Keep an eye out for these new snacks, plus a couple waiting on-deck. Many of these products are available in major grocery store chains. Most can also be ordered online.

Pluot (Plum + Apricot) - Looks: Like a plum with light-orange flesh. Comes in several varieties, including the Flavor King and Flavor Queen. Tastes: The King is spicy; the Queen is sweet. Available: Now.

Aprium (Apricot + Plum) - Looks: Resembles an apricot, but with less fuzzy skin. Tastes: Sweeter than either the plum or the apricot. Available: Now. (Pic above is an aprium)

Colorful Carrots - Looks: Regular carrots in wild colors. Tastes: Like a carrot. Nutrition: Each color contains a different antioxidant: Red has lycopene; yellow has lutein and purple contains anthocyanins. Available: Now.

Nectaplum (Nectarine + Plum) - Looks: Like a nectarine with maroon skin and white flesh. Tastes: A slightly spicy nectarine. Available: Now

Red-Fleshed Kiwi - Looks: A normal kiwi but with red flesh. Nutrition: Contains higher levels of anthocyanins than in ordinary kiwis. Same high vitamin C and fiber content as the green kiwi. This one is still in the lab.

Peacotum (Peach + Apricot + Plum) - Looks: Like a peach with deep purple skin. Tastes: Like sweet fruit punch. Available: Now.

Anyone tried any of these?