Flavor trip with me
Have you ever flavor-tripped (put something in your mouth and had a totally unexpected reaction)? This week I explore the science behind flavor-tripping with miracle fruit.
In my hand, I hold a precious little red fruit. It is petite, measuring only about 3/4 inches in length and a quarter inch in width. The shape is oval, but each end has a distinct point. As I examine it, I notice that it contains a single seed, similar in size to a coffee bean. The fruit's skin is smooth and firm to the touch, yielding slightly when I gently squeeze it.
Curious, I pop the fruit into my mouth. At first, the taste is not particularly noteworthy. But as I bite into it, the juice spills over my tongue, creating a fizzy, effervescent sensation. Slowly, a hint of sweetness emerges, tingling my taste buds. However, the real magic occurs when I experiment with unusual food pairings, such as sour cream, vinegar, or lemon juice. These tart and tangy flavors suddenly transform into an explosion of sweetness, tricking my brain in the most delightful way. This is the incredible power of miracle fruit!
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