Seedless grapes are not genetically modified

Seedless fruits involve no genetic engineering (they are not transgenic), only a very ancient practice consisting of embryonic selection or hybridisation.

The origin of seedless fruits: embryonic selection and hybridisation

Fruit was not created by nature to be ingested by humans: this pleasure was discovered by our ancestors some time later. The existence of seeds within the fruit facilitated their dispersion – and thus the continuity of the fruit’s cultivation – thanks to the animals which consumed them. For humans, eating these seeds can represent an annoyance, and even be dangerous on occasion.

This is why humans have been trying for many years to grow fruits without seeds – so that they are easier to eat and so that children can eat them without fear of choking.

Evolution of fruits and benefits of seedless varieties

In reality, almost none of the fruits we regularly consume can be classified as natural: all have evolved over the years and there is nothing strange or mysterious about the fact that although now we like to eat orange carrots, in the distant past they were actually purple.

The consumption of seedless fruits is perfectly safe, and could even be beneficial, as well as more convenient, since the absence of seeds means the core of the fruit can also be used.

Therefore, we shouldn’t put up barriers in the face of advances in food technology: new varieties are not necessarily artificial, nor can those that preceded them be described as more natural – they are simply older.