Miracle Berry
Synsepalum dulciferum

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

Miracle Berry, Synsepalum dulciferum, is an evergreen shrub in Western and Central Tropical Africa that grows up to 6 m in height. This tree has no medicinal value but is cultivated for food. The fruits are edible and can be consumed raw. Fruits are oblong berries with sweet and fleshy pulp. It contains miraculin, a glycoprotein, which makes bitter, sour, and salty food taste sweet. Twigs are used as chew sticks to clean the teeth. The wood is used for fuel.

Synsepalum dulciferum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

Fringing forest, preferring damp localities.

Western and Central Tropical Africa.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw. The thin-skinned fruit has a sweet, fleshy pulp. The ripe fruit, although not itself that sweet to taste, has the ability to modify the taste receptors in the mouth, causing foods to taste sweeter. The effect lasts for up to an hour after consuming the fruit and will, for example, make lemons, vinegar and other acid foods taste sweet. Sweet foods, such as ice cream, will taste cloyingly sweet. The oblong fruit is about 20mm x 10mm. The berries contain miraculin which is the active principle that makes bitter, sour and salty food taste sweet by affecting the taste-buds. In this manner used for 'sweetening' palm wine, sour fruits and other drinks or food. Additionally a glucoprotein is present that depresses the appetite.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Sweetener: includes sugar substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses: The twigs are used as chew sticks to clean the teeth. The wood is used for fuel.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Teeth: Plants used to clean and care for the teeth.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

A plant of the hot, wet, tropical lowlands. Plants are intolerant of frost. Prefers a humus-rich acid soil. Grows well in light shade. Seedling plants can commence fruiting when about 4 - 5 years old. Plants can flower several times a year.

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

miraculous berry

Synonyms

Bakeriella dulcifica (Schumach. & Thonn.) Dubard Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. Pouteria dulci