Flavor Tripping with Miracle Fruit
Today in the New York Times, I read an article on a berry called Miracle Fruit, officially known as Synsepalum dulcificum. You ingest one berry, scrape the pulp off the seed, swirl it around in your mouth for a minute and that's enough to affect your taste buds for about an hour. It changes the way you perceive sour flavors by making them taste sweeter. For instance, imagine lemon tasting like candy or being able to drink vinegar. Weird, huh?
Miracle fruit is native to West Africa. Scientifically, a protein in it called miraculin binds with taste buds and when it comes in contact with acids induces a sweet flavor. You can purchase them online at www.miraclefruitman.com or you can find them at specialty suppliers. They are very expensive, but are considered safe to eat. This inspires me to host a tasting party...
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