Along the southern coast of Guatemala lies Jade Bay, a secluded area shielded from the outside world. One particular location within the bay is strictly guarded.
On the other side of the building is a warning sign: “Beyond this point, you will be turned into compost.”

In the black volcanic sands thrives an extraordinary plant, found nowhere else on Earth. This plant blooms only occasionally, producing dark purple seeds the size of chicken eggs, protected by a paper-like husk resembling that of a gooseberry.

A select group of prestigious chefs from around the world knows of the existence of these rare seeds, sold at astronomical prices.
The seeds possess a unique quality: they activate all five basic tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami—each in exactly equal measure. This delicate balance causes the flavors to intertwine in a way that elevates each one, resulting in a sensation unlike anything ever experienced. The resulting sensation is so intense that it has been described as nothing short of a gastronomic orgasm. Some even claim the seeds awaken a sixth taste, one that transcends anything previously known.
For the chefs who manage to buy a few of these precious seeds, it is a true triumph.

The plant is known to bloom every 5 to 7 years and the first recorded mention of the seeds dates back to 1951. Attempts to artificially cultivate the seeds or grow them elsewhere have all failed.
It was only recently, by pure coincidence, that researchers discovered the plant’s blooming cycle has consistently aligned with the recurring close pass of Comet Zephyros to Earth – approximately every six years. The regular, yet not precisely predictable cycle stems from Jupiter’s gravitational pull, which occasionally alters the comet’s trajectory and timing of its close pass by Earth.

The next bloom is expected to occur anytime from 2029. If this coincides again with the arrival of Zephyros, it could redefine humanity’s understanding of the intricate connections between celestial events and earthly life.