Abstract

Metabolic engineering is a main focus of many plant biotechnology programs that look for the production of novel plant varieties with improved human health benefits. Among the most interesting goals are those that are focused in the production of functional fruits. A fruit can be considered as functional if it produces additional benefits to human health and well-being, beyond nutrition. Fruits that present higher levels of beneficial compounds such as essential vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals, can be considered as functional as those compounds have long-term benefits in reducing the occurrence of certain diseases. Through the expression, silencing or mutagenesis strategies many functional fruit crops have been produced during the last 40 years. Novel plants produce higher amount of carotenoids, antocyanins and folic acid in their fruits, as well as higher color, sweetness, flavour and aroma. The improvement of postharvest and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress in commercial plants has been also enhanced as it can led to a better fruit production. Taken together, this chapter will present a revision of the main fruits that have been improved by means of metabolic engineering within the framework of functional foods and super foods.