The miracle berry (Synsepalum dulcificum) is a small, red fruit native to West Africa, known for its unique ability to alter taste perception. When the berry is consumed, a glycoprotein called miraculin binds to the taste buds and temporarily modifies sour and acidic flavors, making them taste sweet. For example, after eating the berry, lemons taste like lemonade and vinegar tastes sugary.
Traditionally used by West African tribes to improve the taste of sour foods, the miracle berry has gained global interest for culinary novelty and potential medical applications, such as helping chemotherapy patients cope with taste disturbances. The fruit itself is mildly sweet and tangy, with a soft pulp surrounding a single seed.
Due to its delicate nature and short shelf life, it is often consumed fresh at "flavor-tripping" events or in freeze-dried or tablet form. While not widely cultivated, it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with acidic soil.
Plant comes in a 14cm deep pot similar to the picture.