Flavor tripping is a term used to describe the effects of the miracle fruit. Once this berry is eaten and given a chance to coat the tongue, it temporarily changes the way taste buds perceive sour or acidic flavors, making them taste very sweet. Lemons taste like lemonade candy. Goat cheese tastes a little like cake frosting. Check out a full list of tasting suggestions here.
Because of the unusual effects of the miracle fruit, some people or venues throw “flavor tripping” parties. A bunch of people come over and sample an array of foods to taste them in a whole new way.
I suppose I can’t say that this is the rage all over the nation because, frankly, it’s not. However, there are a few restaurants, clubs, and bars that have been known to throw flavor tripping parties, or flavor tripping nights. These occur mostly in larger cities. Oftentimes, the events sell out. One venue, Atlanta’s Three Sheets, holds a flavor tripping night once a week. They require reservations, and sell out almost every time ($20 admission). These flavor tripping events can cost anywhere from $10 – $50 a head. Admission normally includes a miracle fruit berry and an assortment of fruits and some sour or odd-tasting foods to choose from. Liquor is normally not included.
So have you missed the boat?
I don’t think you can say that. The flavor tripping party that really made waves was the one featured in the NY Times back in May of 2008. What boat is there to miss, really? Chances are, most of the people you know haven’t gone to or thrown a flavor tripping party, much less, even tried the miracle fruit. So, you’re in the clear. This is more of a cult following, fringe event; the likes of which have mostly been experienced by foodies, hipsters, and above all, the curious.
Thanks to the fact that you can order these miracle fruit tablets (you can buy some here), you can throw a flavor tripping party of your own without breaking the bank, and without having to charge your guests fifty bucks a head to get in. They can probably even pitch in by bringing in their favorite fruits or drinks.Plenty of people are already doing this. Just type in “flavor tripping party” in youtube or flickr, and you will be inundated with recently posted videos or pictures of people having a jolly ol’ time with the miracle fruit.
Interested in throwing a flavor tripping party? Click here.
