RUBYBERRY® OUR STORY
In early 2017 we found out about the unique quality of the Miracle fruit tree. Standing amongst a grove of trees on our exotic fruit farm in Far North Queensland, we discussed the berry's unique glycoprotein Miraculin with our friend Trina (a member of the local Rare Fruit Society).
After sucking a berry the Miraculin binds to the sweet receptors on the tongue making anything sour taste sweet. Our conversation turned to further understanding the fruit's value and the possibility of somehow making it available to those Australians struggling to eat.
It's a subject close to our hearts. Our parents were affected by cancer and chronic illness. It's heartbreaking to watch someone who has cared for you for so long, become ill and unable to enjoy simple things like sharing a meal. We felt helpless. And this is what drives us today to further understand Miracle fruit and how it can help others affected by dysgeusia (altered taste).
LEAPING FORWARD
In early 2021 we realised there was no turning back, it was time to relocate our quickly expanding Miracle fruit farm and leave the Mangosteens behind us.
We purchased a property 1,500km South in Childers, with more open landscape for shade-houses and less of the tropical rains which can block the sunshine, leaving trees dormant for months at a time.
With the help of some wonderful friends, some 3,000 potted trees were placed on 42 pallets. A double B truck then moved them South. This was a giant, undertaking, thankfully all our trees survived.
Establishing our new farm with infrastructure for the future guarantees us the ability to grow larger and healthier berries, enabling us to produce and manufacture the first wholly Australian commercial product.
Chris Beckwith and Karen Pereira
RUBY... A VALUABLE MEMBER OF OUR TEAM!
We were very lucky to find our Abyssinian cat at the RSPCA, her name was Ruby!
In the beginning of our journey doctors couldn't get their head around the name 'miracle fruit' so we called them Rubyberry.
TREE CHANGE
In 2013 Chris and Karen made a tree change, - moving from Sydney to the Daintree Rainforest. They said goodbye to their careers in advertising and started a mangosteen farm growing the trees on Open Tatura trellises (in other words, growing the trees on a trellis in order to encourage early fruiting and pick within reach).
As a young lad, Chris' Grandmother Ivy spoke of the family's agricultural businesses established in the late 1800's WC Thomas & Sons. They had apple and pear orchards in Tynong and flour milling sites across Victoria.
Grandmother Ivy's Uncle, WCF Thomas was appointed as the Chairman and Government representative of the newly established Australian Dried Fruits Export Control Board in 1925. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire - Commander (Civil) [CBE] in recognition of his service in 1926.
From Chris' interest in Miracle fruit, he unearthed historic information of the family's additional interest in dried fruit and healthcare.
Great-Grandmother Mabel's (Ivy's mother) Father and Grand-Father were doctors, in Beaufort, Vicoria and Edinburgh, Scotland. Her activities listed in the Who's Who in the World of Women in 1934 was listed as, Senior Vice-president of the Austin Hospital; Hon. Treasurer of the Women’s Section of Red Cross at Williamstown during war period; Life Governor of Williamstown Hospital (war service); Life Governor of Austin Hospital (now Austin Health); connected with A. W. N. L. for many years. Supporter of all charitable movements, including: Free Kindergarten, St. Kilda and Balaclava. Worked throughout Great War at the Pioneer Depot in Flinders Lane.
Over Karen's advertising career she has worked on many healthcare accounts. Her last position was with the Clemenger Group within their healthcare advertising agency.
RICHARD'S STORY
Having further researched the fruit's taste-modifying activity, Chris and Karen contacted their friend, Richard in Sydney, who had difficulty eating due to illness.
Everything Richard tried to eat had a metallic taste. Richard was open to trying Miracle fruit so they sent him some berries in a cryovac pack. He described the fruit's effect as "amazing".
Each time Richard had a berry he experienced relief for about an hour. For him, it meant he was able to enjoy a meal and eat with his son, parents and partner Kathy.
Richard was able to start eating regularly again. He attributed Miracle fruit to his improved quality of life. Sadly, Richard is no longer with us, but through his journey Chris and Karen learnt a great deal about Miracle fruit.
SBS 'MEDICINE OR MYTH'?
Chris from Rubyberry appeared on the first show of 'Medicine or Myth?'. He demonstrated how Miracle Fruit changed taste, to a panel of Doctors.
Neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo, led the panel which included Family & Women's Health Expert Dr Ginni Mansberg and Associate Professor in Immunology Ashraful Haque.
The Doctors were amazed at how Miracle Fruit could benefit people whose taste has been altered after undergoing medical treatment.
Miracle Fruit was one remedy on the show chosen for a trial conducted by National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), with 100% results.
Read more about Miracle Fruit on the link below and watch the episode.
SBS Miracle Berry May Help Chemotherapy Patients Regain Their Sense Of Taste
Watch Medicine or Myth? on SBS On Demand.
ON TV
ABC Landline - 'Miracle Fruit'
7NEWS Wide Bay - 'Miracle Fruit'
7NEWS Wide Bay - 'Miracle Fruit'
7NEWS Brisbane - 'Miracle Berries'
SBS Australia - 'Miracle Berries: Medicine or Myth?'
ABC Landline - 'Little Red Surprises: An extraordinary berry with taste-altering properties'
ABC - 'Miracle fruit crop may help cancer patients regain a love of food'
