As a gardener who grew up in the tropics I am forever experimenting with new and interesting houseplants to extend my horticultural fix, even into the darkest depths of winter. Recently I have stumbled upon what just might be the most exciting of all. Ladies and gentleman, I give you the miracle berry.
The miracle berry is a pretty, easy-to-grow houseplant from the jungles of West Africa, whose glossy green leaves and compact growth habit make the perfect accent for any sunny window. Living up to its name, the plant’s scarlet berries induce a striking effect on those who eat them, possessing the Willy Wonka-like power to “miraculously” make all sour food intensely sweet.
No, really! Lemons taste like lemonade, cider vinegar like apple syrup and raw rhubarb like old-school sweetshop candy for as long as 30 minutes after you consume the berries. Their introduction a few years back sparked a trend in America for “flavour-tripping” parties, where revellers experience the effects of the fruit on a smorgasbord of acidic foods: everything from pineapples and strawberries to shots of salad dressing and Tabasco sauce.
The chemical behind this gustatory “hallucination” is a natural protein called miraculin, which temporarily coats your taste buds, altering the perception of sour substances for a few minutes. Houseplants with superpowers? I think every green-fingered kid (and big kid) should have one for Christmas.
How do you grow them? Miracle berries are a relatively easy-to-grow houseplant that can be treated just like a citrus, and should offer up small crops of berries twice a year as long as you follow three golden rules.
First, the plants only start to produce fruit at 4-5 years of age so pick the most mature little bush you can afford, unless you are prepared for a rather long wait from seed. Plants of various sizes are available through the Citrus Centre (citruscentre.co.uk).
Second, miracle berries require acidic, well-drained soil. A standard citrus compost would be perfect. Plants should be allowed to dry out a little between waterings, just as you would a citrus. I also use a liquid citrus feed diluted to half strength each time I water, even in winter.
Finally, when the plant’s tiny flowers appear it is important to give them a quick spritz with water once or twice a day. This helps ensure all-important pollination by providing humidity and gently loosening the pollen from the flowers. A gentle shake of the pot or tapping of the branches has also been shown to improve fruit set. Three to six months later your first miracle fruit should be ready.
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