It has long been claimed by allotment-holders that their fruit and vegetables beat those from supermarket shelves . Now scientists have proved home-grown produce is not just tastier but healthier too . A study , carried out by experts at Kew Gardens , found that tomatoes are sweeter and richer in health-improving nutrients than those that are mass-produced . Flavoursome : A Kew Gardens study found that home-grown tomatoes are sweeter and richer in health-improving nutrients than those that are mass-produced . The concentration of natural sugars , anti-oxidants and nutrient rich compounds called phenols peaked in the home-grown tomatoes , the study for a BBC show revealed . Professor Monique Simmonds , deputy director of science at Kew , claimed mass-market tomatoes are often bred for their appearance rather than quality , that herbicides are used and that they are harvested early and artificially ripened to improve shelf life . She said all these things can damage the flavour and the nutrient level in the fruit . 'Supermarkets are often looking for tomatoes that are a particular size because that 's how the public want it , ' she said . 'Some of these tomatoes are smaller and they do n't grow in a uniform size , which makes them difficult for supermarkets to sell . It 's about educating the public . People do n't mind if something grown in their garden is not beautifully round but would they buy it from a supermarket ? ' One example is the Gardener 's Delight cherry tomato , which was found to contain three times as much sugar as the shop-bought variety , giving it a far sweeter taste . While this experiment was with tomatoes , Professor Simmonds said results would be similar in other fruits and vegetables . Tasty : Professor Simmonds from Kew Gardens said results would be similar in other fruits and vegetables . Professor Simmonds , who led the research for BBC2 show Kew on a Plate , said : 'They are not going to be a cure for a disease but if you are eating them as part of a mixed diet they will definitely contribute to a healthier life – it 's the Mediterranean diet effect , having natural anti-oxidants in your diet . 'If you 're eating enough of these it will build up to have an effect . ' The show , starting on Monday , follows presenter Kate Humble , 46 , and chef Raymond Blanc , 65 , as they create a vegetable garden . The experiment saw Professor Simmonds take the pulp from different varieties of tomatoes and analyse it using sophisticated machinery to work out the concentration of different sugars and nutrients .
Study found that home-grown tomatoes are sweeter and richer in nutrients . Kew Gardens discovered they have more natural sugars and anti-oxidants . Expert said mass-market tomatoes bred for their appearance , not quality . Comment: