It’s a fruit! No… it’s a berry! No wait… it’s a miracle!
The Synsepalum dulcificum, better know as “Miracle Fruit” or the” Miraculous Magic Flavor Berry” (I only wish I were making that up), is the best kept secret in all of plantdom. This small fruit has the color of a cranberry, the shape of an almond and tastes like a flavorless gummy. But the best part… it releases a natural protein called “miraculin” (again, not kidding), that causes sugar molecules to bind to the tongue. The result — for 15-30 minutes, everything sour tastes sweet. Lemons taste like candy, hot sauce becomes honey barbeque. There really is only one word to describe it… Miraculous!
Discovered in West Africa in 1725 by French explorer Chevalier des Marchais, the berry grows on evergreen plants that reach up to 20 feet high. The local tribes would (and still do) pick and chew these bad boys before meals.
Since then, attempts have been made to commercialize the miracle for dietary and health benefits. For people who suffer from obesity, diabetes, or even cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, this fruit may very well be the answer to their taste prayers. An artificial sweetener that’s actually natural? Amazing!
But my favorite part has got to be the “taste tripping parties”. That’s right, you heard correctly. People gather together, drop $30 and go to town on radishes, pickles, chili peppers… you name it. Willy Wonka would be jealous.
Don’t believe me? Sounds too good to be true? Check it out here and here.
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