What is Star Fruit?
Carambola — more commonly known as a star fruit — gets its name exactly as you would expect: from its natural star-like shape when sliced.
The fruit flaunts a light green to golden yellow or orange color, depending on its ripeness. With a waxy skin that offers a layer of crunch and crispiness to its sweet-tart flesh, the star fruit’s flavors have been compared to those of oranges, pears and grapes.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
Star fruits are rich in vitamin C and fiber; one medium-sized star fruit contains 3 grams of fiber and 52% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake, according to Healthline.
The fruit also contains quercetin, gallic acid and epicatechin, which are plant compounds that offer antioxidant properties and health benefits, with studies showing the compounds reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and high cholesterol in mice.
Potential Risks and Health Warnings
But one thing most don’t know about this fruit is that it might not be healthy for everyone.
According to Healthline, because of star fruit’s high oxalate content, people with chronic kidney issues should avoid eating it or drinking its juice. Eating too much can lead to star fruit toxicity, which can cause acute kidney injury or disease.
Culinary Uses and Serving Ideas
When enjoyed in the right amounts, star fruits offer a nutritious, flavorful and beautiful addition to desserts, charcuterie boards and fruit spreads, cocktails, entrees and more.
Star fruits are commonly used to add bursts of flavor in anything from salads and syrups to grilled proteins, stews and cocktails.
The tangy fruits can be diced and added to salsas, simmered into syrups for toppings or cocktails, eaten with seafood, grilled with pork and chicken, blended into smoothies, pureed or used as a garnish.
Where to Buy and Availability
Star fruit is often sold at local farmers’ markets and stands and can be ordered online through direct-from-farm shippers. It can also be found at grocery stores like Whole Foods and Publix, but its availability depends on the season.
Star fruit often grows in Florida from June to April and depends on a warm, humid climate. You can easily find it in stores in Florida from June through February for about $2 to $5.
So, the next time you visit the grocery store this summer, consider experimenting with this zesty, refreshing treat. Whether you’re garnishing a cocktail, enjoying it sliced by the pool or grilling it with shrimp for dinner, star fruit will instantly transport you into the summer spirit.
Related Articles
What Are The Benefits of Asparagus?
A Look at History’s Most Bizarre Diets
