A Fruit That Tricks the Tongue

[GRiM]

The miracle fruit, Synsepalum dulcificum, is native to West Africa and has been known to Westerners since the 18th century. The cause of the reaction is a protein called miraculin, which binds with the taste buds and acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes in contact with acids, according to a scientist who has studied the fruit, Linda Bartoshuk at the University of Florida’s Center for Smell and Taste. Dr. Bartoshuk said she did not know of any dangers associated with eating miracle fruit.

Nearby, Yuka Yoneda tilted her head back as her boyfriend, Albert Yuen, drizzled Tabasco sauce onto her tongue. She swallowed and considered the flavor: “Doughnut glaze, hot doughnut glaze!”

They were among 40 or so people who were tasting under the influence of a small red berry called miracle fruit at a rooftop party in Long Island City, Queens, last Friday night. The berry rewires the way the palate perceives sour flavors for an hour or so, rendering lemons as sweet as candy.

For the whole article _http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/28/dining/28flavor.html?ex=1369713600&en=b2206b4ef510a6ba&ei=5124&

One retailer with additional information and price. ($2.00 each)
http://www.miraclefruitman.com/learn.htm

DESCRIPTION
Growth Habit: Miracle fruit is an evergreen bush or tree growing to 18 ft. in its native habitat, but rarely to 5 ft. otherwise. It grows well in container.

According to a report from the University of Florida, the Miracle Fruit grows well in a container. For information about growing fruit in a container, click here.

Foliage: The plant has deep green, elongated leaves which grow in a spire-like habit. Both regular and large-leaf and a hairy-leaf form are known.

Flowers: The small 1/4 inch white flowers of miracle fruit are produced in flushes through many months of the year.

Fruit: The fruit is a small bright red, ellipsoid berry approximately 2 to 3 cm long and containing a single seed. Although not sweet itself, when a single fruit is eaten and the fleshy pulp allowed to coat the taste buds of the tongue and inside of the mouth, an extraordinary effect occurs. The fruit will now allow one to eat a slice of lemon or lime without wincing. The marvelous aroma and inherent sweetness of the citrus remains but the sourness is almost completely covered. The effect remains for some 30 minutes or more.



* Botanical Name
Synsepalum dulcificum Daniell

* Plant Family
Sapotaceae
* Common Names
Miracle Fruit, Miracle Berry
* Origin
Ghana, West Africa (Tropical)
* Seasonal Bearing
All year
* Damage Temperature
28oF / -2oC