Seeds

Mr Fothergill’s recalls courgette seeds containing unusually high levels of poisonous compounds

by

British supplier Mr Fothergill’s has recalled batch of courgette seeds after finding they contained unusually high levels of compounds that are poisonous to humans. These ‘cucurbitacins’ — which give a bitter taste — are steroids used by the gourd family including courgettes, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins to deter predators. Cultivated gourds are bred for low … Read more

‘Quintessential’ lupin seeds are packed with protein… but watch out if you have a peanut allergy

by

Superfood fans go loopy over lupin seeds: Ancient legume which once fuelled Roman warriors is packed with protein… but watch out if you have a peanut allergy Lupins are the latest culinary trend as their seeds contain a lot of vital protein The ancient legume once fuelled Roman warriors and is still a bar snack … Read more

Salad seeds in outer space grew at a slower rate than Earth-bound counterparts 

by

Salad seeds that went on a round trip to outer space and back grew at a slightly slower rate and aged faster than those on Earth, scientists have found.  A million rocket seeds (Eruca sativa) amounting to 2kg were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2015 with legendary British astronaut Tim Peake.  Six … Read more

Seeds from Prince Charles’ residence are among the new additions to the Arctic ‘doomsday vault’

by

Wild meadow seeds from Prince Charles’ Highgrove residence are among the new plant species being added to the Arctic ‘doomsday vault’ in Svalbard, Norway. The royal gardens’ seeds will be joined by those of onions from Brazil, guar beans from central Asia and hundreds of others stored in the vault’s collection for safe keeping.  In … Read more