FOOD can be grown on the moon.

According to scientists, lunar leeks and carrots may be even healthier than Earth-grown produce.

Researchers discovered that the stress of growing in alien soil increases levels of defensive chemicals found in superfoods like blueberries and kale.

In 12 soil samples from the Apollo 11, 12, and 17 lunar landings, the scientists developed thale cress, a little blooming plant related to cauliflower and broccoli.

The experiment is being approved for the first time because the five-decade-old moon scrapings are considered “important national treasures.”

After adding fertilizer, water, and light, all of the seeds sprouted.

While the thale cress is edible, it is a long way away.

“It’s incredibly fantastic news that plants can thrive in lunar soil,” stated Florida University professor Robert Ferl. Demonstrating that plants can grow in lunar soil is a significant step toward our goal of establishing lunar colonies.”

NASA wants to return to the moon in 2025 as part of its Artemis mission, and the breakthrough was published in the journal Communications Biology.

“The plants that were responding the most strongly to what we would term oxidative stress reactions… they became purple,” said space biologist Prof Anna-Lisa Paul. That’s the same substance found in dark red and purple fruits, which are beneficial to humans due to their anti-oxidant characteristics.”