Starfruit, or carambola, is a tropical fruit grown in Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Florida and Hawaii. It is golden yellow to pale green in color and typically 3-5 inches (13.7-15.2 cm) in length, with four to six outer ribs. Its flesh is the same color as the exterior of the fruit and contains small brown seeds. The fruit gets its name because, when cut, its unusual contour creates a star shape.
The skin of the starfruit is edible and, therefore, does not have to be peeled. Its flavor ranges from sweet to tart. Usually, its tartness can be determined by the width of its ribs. The closer together the ribs are set, the more tart the flavor.
The taste of carambola is compared to plums, pineapple 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 drinks. Starfruit is very juicy and has a pleasant scent.
The season for starfruit is late summer to midwinter. The carambola tree is able to grow with less sunlight than most tropical trees. The tree requires a fair amount of space and a lot 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. The ribs often have a brown tinge when ripe. Store a ripe starfruit in plastic in the refrigerator for up to one 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 jazz up a typical fruit salad, add starfruit, kiwi, sugar, Grand Marnier and mint leaves.
When cooked, starfruit can serve as a dessert or condiment. It also makes a nice sauce or garnish for poultry, fish, pork and beef dishes. Starfruit can be combined with chicken or other protein, avocados, and other fruits and vegetables to make a salad. It is also used in sweet bread recipes and cakes.
