Synsepalum dulcificum

Synsepalum dulcificum

Synsepalum dulcificum, also known as the miracle fruit, is a plant known for its berry that, when eaten, causes sour foods subsequently consumed to taste sweet. This effect is due to a glycoprotein called miraculin.

Description

Synsepalum dulcificum is a shrub that grows in West Africa. The plant's berries are the size of a cherry tomato and have a mildly sweet flavor. The miracle fruit is red in color when ripe.

Cultivation

The miracle fruit plant grows best in acidic soils, similar to those of its native tropical West Africa. It prefers a pH of 4.5 to 5.8. The plant is sensitive to frost and does not tolerate water-logging.

Uses

The primary use of Synsepalum dulcificum is its fruit, which is used to alter the perceived flavor of foods. After consuming the fruit, sour foods taste sweet. This effect lasts for up to an hour.

Miraculin

Miraculin is the glycoprotein found in Synsepalum dulcificum that causes the taste-altering effect. It binds to the taste buds and acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes in contact with acids, causing sour foods to taste sweet.

Health Benefits

Synsepalum dulcificum is often used in diet plans because it can make low-sugar foods taste sweet. It is also used in cancer treatment centers to help patients with altered taste due to chemotherapy.

See Also

• List of culinary fruits
• Taste alteration

References

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External Links

• Miracle Fruit Research Institute
• Miracle Fruit Farm

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Synsepalum_dulcificum

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  Synsepalum dulcificum
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  Synsepalum dulcificum