The fruit of the Synsepalum dulcificum plant has been dubbed ‘miracle berry’ for its amazing ability to make sour foods taste sweet when consumed. This effect is due to miraculin, a glycoprotein found in the berry. When eaten, miraculin binds to a specific sweet receptor on cells in our taste buds. These receptors then become activated only when acid, found in sour foods, is present. The acidity of sour foods is therefore ironically what allows you to taste sweetness. Due to the strong binding of miraculin to taste receptor cells, this effect can last up to two hours!
