An Indian-origin scientist and his colleague have reportedly developed genetically engineered limes containing some similar genetic factors that are expressed in grape skin and blood orange pulp.

These modified Mexican limes have a protein that induces anthocyanin biosynthesis, the process that creates the “red” in red wine, and causes the limes to develop a range of colours in the pulp from dark purple to fuchsia.

University of Florida horticulture scientist Manjul Dutt and Jude Grosser from the UF Citrus Research and Education Centre are developing these fruits plants.