Synsepalum dulcificum

This fascinating fruit has the ability to change the way that foods taste, it can make sour foods taste sweet, hence the common name of Miracle fruit.

It is certainly not new, having been in propagation since the early 1700s. By itself, the small red berries taste like, well to be honest, nothing much at all. However when you chew one, and then eat a normally sour fruit, or drink a sour drink, it tastes sweet.

These really are a sub tropical to tropical fruit tree, so growing them in cooler climates is problematical. You really need a hothouse, or an enclosed patio to over winter them.

You can grow the plants from seed, however germination is difficult. The best thing to do is to try germinating the seeds in an azalea and camellia potting mix, as this will be on the acid side, and Miracle fruit need this.

Although these plants are offered for sale as far south as Sydney and Melbourne, you will need to provide Miracle Fruit is Synsepalum dulcificum or Miracle Fruit, warm protected conditions to grow them in these cooler climates.

Care

Originally from the rainforest areas of West Africa, you will understand that they need warmth, moisture, humidity to grow well.

• Choose a position in filtered shade.
• Prepare the soil well by digging in well rotted compost and manure.
• Adjust the pH of the soil if need to around 4.5-5.8.
• Make sure the soil is well drained.
• Make sure the plant is protected form drying winds and cold winds.
• Fertilise with a liquid seaweed fertiliser regularly.
• Avoid using heavily chlorinated water.

It will take around 4 years for these trees to fruit, so be a little patient.After they flower, which is almost year round in tropical conditions and in summer in cooler climates, they will set fruit within a month.

And if you are thinking of cooking them, they loose the taste shifting qualities when cooked…..

Miracle Fruit Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries