“Ugly” fruits and vegetables might actually be more nutritious than blemish-free produce, says NPR. Scabs and scars on the skin are a sign that the plant fought off invaders, whether pests or fungus. And research suggests that plants under stress produce more of the antioxidants that protect human health.
“One study showed that an apple covered in scab has more healthy, antioxidant phenolic compounds, called phenylpropanoids, than a scab-free apple peel. Another study showed that apple leaves infected with scab have 10 to 20 percent more phenolic compounds. Similar research has found high levels of resveratrol in grape leaves infected with fungi or simply exposed to the stress of ultraviolet light,” says NPR.
This isn’t to say that every blemished apple is better than every pretty one. “There are so many factors contributing to antioxidant content,” says environmental biologist Brian Ward at Clemson University. “The most important factor is the plant itself — and the variety. That’s genetic. Then there is the soil, its mineral content, and whether conventional or organic fertilizer is used. But yes, there is some interesting data that when plants are stressed by insects or disease, they produce metabolites that are good for us.”
Even if it isn’t a hard and fast rule, the lure of extra-nutrition in imperfect produce may help cut down on food waste. Some stores, including a handful of California Whole Foods’ locations, have already responded to advocacy pressure, and are selling misshaped produce instead of throwing it out.