Miracle Fruit

The miracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum) produces berries that, when eaten, cause sour foods (such as lemons and limes) to taste sweet. The berries contain a substance, called miraculin, which affects the tastebuds causing sour flavours to taste sweet. It is not really understood how this is achieved but one theory is that it alters the shape of the sweetness receptors. The effect generally lasts about 20-30mins, though there is a lot of individual variation. The video below shows the fruit in action...

The berry was first documented, in 1725, by explorer Chevalier des Marchais whist on an excursion to West Africa. Marchais noticed that the local people picked the berry and chewed it before meals.

The plant is an evergreen shrub growing to 4m. It has been known to produce two crops per year, usually following the rainy season. The white flowers are followed by small red berries with seeds about half the size of coffee beans.

It generally prefers an acidic soil, with a pH of 4.5-5.8, but will grow in neutral soils. It is a tropical plant, and therefore is not tolerant of frosts, and is best grown in partial shade. Ideal for sub-tropical and tropical climates.

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