MIRACLE BERRY

Unique Crop Growing And Caring For A

By Tyra Phillips, Dade County Farm Bureau

IN DIFFICULT TIMES a positive accomplishment or contribution reminds everyone that there is good reason to hope for a better tomorrow.

Many Florida farmers serve as inspirational examples by their success at producing food and fiber every day. Some of the crops they grow are unique. One MiamiDade County farmer has created a thriving business with a small-sized berry known as miracle fruit.

Miracle Fruit Farm, which sits on six acres, got its humble beginnings in 2012-2013. The miracle fruit tree itself however has been around for much longer than that. Originating from Ghana, it was first introduced into South Florida by David Fairchild.

Back in the early 1970’s Pine Island Nursery owner Colleen Boggs recognized the importance of the fruit and began selling seedling trees at the nursery. Her keen ability to forecast the benefits that this fruit may have for future generations led her son, Erik Tietig, to start Miracle Fruit Farm.

Pulling up to the farm off a small dirt road, it initially looks like many others that spot our landscape here in Homestead with two large shade houses that are impeccably maintained. It isn’t until you open the door, that you see the vast difference.

According to Tietig, CEO for the company, miracle fruit trees do not do well in our complicated south Florida soils. They actually flourish in pots. Within the shade houses are approximately 7,000 trees currently.

The beauty here is that the same tree can have flowers, young fruit and ripe fruit all at the same time. This allows for perpetual harvesting of the fruit year-round, at least four days a week. Tietig, who has worked in fruit crops all of his life, knows no other fruit crop like it.

He breeds a superior crop that improves the genetics of the

Erik Tietig checks a miracle fruit plant.

trees. Currently, they have eight variations of miracle fruit on site. Seedlings take three to five years to grow and the average age of their trees is seven.

Although they use organic practices, they are not certified organic growers. They adhere to the highest food safety standards and are proud to state that.

What exactly makes it a miracle you ask? Back in the late 1990’s, a customer of Pine Island Nursery who was a cancer patient tried the fruit and realized that it brought back his taste buds that had been lost due to chemotherapy. Once the customer posted those results online, the market for the fruit took off.

To sum it up simply as Tietig did during a recent tour, normally the taste of a lemon is sour. With miracle fruit, it would make the sour flavor diminish to a palatable taste. In the case of something like a strawberry, it would enhance the sweetness. This little fruit has put pleasure back into eating for many cancer patients.

Approximately one inch in length and oval in size, the fruit is very fragile. Once picked it has a shelf life of two to three days before the proteins start to break down. After that time, the fruit’s benefits are lost. So, shipping the fruit once it has been picked and packed must be done quickly.

The fruit can be eaten fresh or in the other ways that the company processes it. They have found that if the fruit is freeze-dried it can be preserved indefinitely. Freeze-drying is a great process that removes the moisture and oxygen from the fruit, takes about 32 hours.

It is then offered in a tablet form, better known as “Miraculous” melting tablets. The tablets have no artificial flavors, no preservatives, are non-GMO, have zero sugar, are both gluten free and suitable for various diets. For cancer patients, this is so important.

In addition to producing a desirable crop, Tietig welcomes newcomers into the incredible Farm Bureau family.His warmd own-to-earth personality pairs well with the mission he is on. Hehas a calmness to his voice as he explains the natural benefits that this fruit has for many people – a welcomed trait that you would expect from someone growing such a product.

A walk through the rows and rows of potted trees on a warm, sunny South Florida day, makes visitors feel privileged. The farm can seem almost sacred. Plants are carefully grown, planned and maintained to make sure thatthe recipients of this unique fruit felt as s pecial as the product that they are fortunate to receive.

For more information, including online ordering, visit the Miracle Fruit Farm’s website: www.miraclefruitfarm.com

FOR ALL OF US Still Farming

Florida’s farmers and ranchers are continuing to produce and harvest food for people in our state, across the nation and throughout the world.

Their daily labors create the foundation of stability for our families and our communities.

Thanks to help from FFB Field District Representatives, we collected comments several of them have made during the public health emergency. These farmers and ranchers volunteered their remarks while busy at work.

"Just as the sun rose this morning on our farm, we are sure our family will continue to provide you with a safe, abundant food supply.” –ROBERT HAMMOCK, GLADES COUNTY

“The American farmer and rancher will continuously provide a safe and abundant food supply for our country. We will do what is necessary to make sure the food is available to the consumer as always. So stay calm. We will weather this storm.” –BRITTANY LEE, ALACHUA COUNTY

“We have a passion and love for farming, which is why we continue to get up every day to tend our fields, look over our cattle and milk our cows, among many other things farmers and ranchers do every day to keep us fed.” –BRYAN JONES, ST. JOHNS COUNTY

"This has not affected my normal work day. I’m still leaving the house at 7 a.m. every day and getting home at 8:30 p.m. every night.” – ROBERT ATWOOD, LAKE COUNTY

“We will be able to maintain the same levels we have always maintained to make sure the shelves stay full of quality protein.” –CHRISTIAN SPINOSA, POLK COUNTY

“During these uncertain times, Florida’s farmers and ranchers are committed to continue to work overtime to make sure your families have enough food for your table.” – KEITH WEDGWORTH, PALM BEACH COUNTY

“Florida farmers provide safe, fresh fruits and vegetables to America. It’s harvest time and our farm is proud to feed the American people.” – JOHN ALGER, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

“We are working hard to feed our nation. I am thankful for everyone in the ag industry for making this possible.” –BUDDY MCKINSTRY, PALM BEACH COUNTY