Starfruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical fruit with a sweet to tart flavor. It is typically eaten with the peel intact and is rich in vitamin C and fiber. It can be used in salads, desserts, and as a garnish, and can also be cooked with various spices to create pickles, relishes, and soups. It is in season from late summer to mid-winter and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Starfruit, or carambola, is a tropical fruit grown in Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Florida and Hawaii. It is golden yellow to light green in color and is typically 3-5 inches (13.7-15.2 cm) long, with 4-6 outer ribs. The pulp is the same color as the outside of the fruit and contains small brown seeds. The fruit gets its name because, when cut, its unusual outline creates a star shape.
The peel of the star is edible and therefore should not be peeled. Its flavor varies from sweet to tart. Usually, its acidity can be determined by the width of its ribs. The closer together the ribs are, the tarter the flavor.
The taste of carambola is compared with plums, pineapples or lemons, as well as apples or grapes. Starfruit is also known as coromandel gooseberry, bilimbi, belimbing, Chinese starfruit, five angled fruit and star apple. It is commonly used in salads or desserts, eaten as a fruit or used as an attractive garnish. Its juice is also used to flavor commercially prepared beverages. Starfruit is very juicy and has a pleasant scent.
Starfruit season runs from late summer to mid-winter. The carambola tree is able to grow with less sunlight than most tropical trees. The tree requires a good amount of space and lots of moisture. Starfruit is rich in vitamin C. Like other fruits that are eaten with the skin intact, it is a good source of fiber.
To choose a starfruit, look for one that is firm and has a bright color. Ribs often have a brown tinge when ripe. Store a plastic star of ripe fruit in the refrigerator for a week or use within a few days at room temperature.
Carambola can be cooked with vinegar, sugar, ginger, pepper, anise, vanilla, and saffron to create a sweet pickle. Other starfruit recipes include salsa, relish, chutney and soup. To spice up a typical fruit salad, add fresh fruit, kiwis, sugar, Grand Marnier and mint leaves.
Once cooked, the star can serve as a dessert or condiment. It also makes a nice sauce or side dish for poultry, fish, pork, and beef dishes. Starfruit can be combined with chicken or other proteins, avocados and other fruits and vegetables to make a salad. It is also used in sweet bread recipes and cakes.
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