Name
Period
Miracle Berry Taste Lab
Background Information:
Synsepalum dulcificum is a plant known for its berry, also called the “miracle berry”.
When eaten, the berry turns sour, acidic, and bitter flavors sweet. This phenomenon is 100%
natural and is caused by a glycoprotein called Miraculin. When freshly picked, the effects of the
berry are only active for 2-3 days, however when the pulp of the berry is freeze-dried it can be
active for 10-18 months.
Miraculin is contained in the berry’s flesh (which in our case has been compressed into
tablet form). The taste modifying process occurs on the tongue (NOT through digestion) which
is why you should allow the berry tablet to melt and coat the tongue thoroughly for best
results.
At a neutral pH, Miraculin binds and blocks receptors on taste buds. At low pH (aka sour
foods) Miraculin binds proteins and activates sweet receptors, resulting in the perception of
sweet taste. These effects can be observed until the glycoprotein is washed away by saliva
(usually around 30 minutes).
These berries were commonly used in the past to improve the flavor of foods such as
soured corn bread when rations were scarce. The miracle berry has also been widely used by
cancer patients to counteract the metallic taste they often get from chemotherapy.
Procedure:

There are various samples of food and liquids at your table. One partner should try
samples at a time to avoid any confusion.

Partner one should put a miracle berry tablet on their tongue and allow the tablet to
melt and coat the tongue for about 45 seconds to 1 minute.

Partner one should then close their eyes while partner two shuffles the samples around.

Without looking at the sample, partner one should taste it! Tell your partner what you
think it tastes like and have your partner record this observation under “Sample 1”.

Once your observation is recorded, look at the bottom of the cup and write what the
sample actually was and how it should’ve tasted. Continue this procedure until you have
tried all samples.

Then, partner one and two should switch roles.

Once all samples have been observed, feel free to test small amounts of any food or
liquids that your classmates brought! Please make sure you don’t taste anything you
may be allergic to – when in doubt, ask! 
Observations:
What does it taste like?
Sample #1
Sample #2
Sample #3
Sample #4
Sample #5
What is it? What should it taste like?
Sample #6
Sample #7
Sample #8
Sample #9
Sample #10
Reflection Questions:
1. Were you surprised with your observations? Why or why not?
2. Do you think all of your classmates had the same reaction? Why or why not?
3. Which sample surprised you most? Explain.
4. Please explain what effects the “miracle berry” had on your perception of taste.
5. What was your favorite sample to taste? Why?
6. What could you see the miracle berry being used for in the future?
7. If you could have looked at the samples before tasting them do you think this would have influenced
your perception of the taste? Why or why not?
8. Tell me what you thought about this lab! Did you have fun? Do you have any suggestions for next
year?