Synsepalum dulcificum, a "miracle fruit" that is said to make anything sweeter, has become a product of high demand recently.
Synsepalum dulcificum has become the centerpiece of parties for people to buy, taste and see the effects, a process known as "flavor tripping". The fruit is to be placed in a person's mouth and sucked on until the seeds are exposed.
The fruit is said to block the sour receptors in the tongue, making everything taste sweet. The cause of the reaction is a protein called miraculin, which acts as a sweetness inducer when it comes in contact with acids.
Synsepalum dulcificum is indigenous to West Africa and was first introduced to the Western Hemisphere in the 18th century.
The "miracle fruit" is highly perishable and expensive as it costs $2 or more to buy a single berry.
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