Serendipity berry

Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii

fruit

Small berries that sweeten food: they contain monellin, a protein 3,000 times sweeter than sugar.

Origin

Tropical Africa

Where to find it

In the rainforests of Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon, where the red clusters are picked from the vines.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The berries are eaten raw: the pulp is sucked from around the seed, which is spat out. Cooking destroys their sweetness.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Pectins · Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Its tubers are eaten like potatoes.