Sunday Times 2
The ‘miracle berry’ that makes even Brussels sprouts taste good
If you can’t stomach vegetables there is a surprising – and all natural -solution.
Known as the Miracle Berry, this jellybean-shaped fruit can make sour and bitter foods taste sweet – and the sensation lasts for up to two hours after eating.
Known as the Miracle Berry, this jellybean-shaped fruit (pictured) can make sour and bitter foods taste sweet (Wikimedia)
The fruit contains a protein called miraculin that binds to the taste buds on the tongue and ‘trips’ flavours to appear sweeter.
The phenomenon has been known about for years, but now a chef has set up a café that uses the fruit to create a variety of different taste sensations.
The berry can also be used as a substitute to putting sugar in foods, such as donuts and cakes, to ultimately help people lose weight.
And it not only boost sweetness, but also flavour intensity. This is despite the fact the fruit itself does not taste sweet.
Homaro Cantu opened Berrista Coffee in December.
Before people order from his menu, they are given a berry to chew.
Mr Cantu told Smithsonian Magazine that the fruit has the ability to make mascarpone cheese taste like whipped cream, low-fat yogurt taste like cheesecake, and turn sparkling water with lemon into a drink that tastes like Sprite.
He has a range of foods on his menu, such as doughnuts and croissants, that have less sugar – or in some cases none at all – compared to traditional recipes.
‘What if you could eliminate the sugar from your favourite comfort foods without sacrificing the flavours you love?,’ explained Mr Cantu.
‘What if the simple solution to years of frustrating health and dieting woes was a small, mild-tasting fruit?’ The future of food is here. We invite you to enjoy your vices.’
The miraculin protein was discovered by scientists in 1968.
© Daily Mail, London