Starfruit & How to know when it is ripe.
Starfruit – Carambola
I had starfruit a couple of times, but never purchased it, or knew anything about it. We now have a starfruit tree that has been very prolific. This led to the need to learn more about it.
The fruit has distinctive ridges running down its sides (usually five but can sometimes vary); in cross-section, it resembles a star, hence its name. The entire fruit is edible and is usually eaten out of hand. They may also be used in cooking and can be made into relishes, preserves, and juice drinks.
Starfruit’s real name is Carambola and is a tree fruit. It is native to Southeast Asia and is popular in tropical areas, including southern United States. The fruit has big ridges which give it the distinctive look, and when cut cross wise, the pieces are stars. These stars make it great as a garnish. The whole fruit is edible, including the skin, although I did trim just the edges on those that had darkened already.
Nutritionally, these fruit have high vitamin C, respectable fiber, and very low sugars, meaning diabetic friendly.
Starfruit is not just a dessert fruit. I have used it in curry and it is excellent. Just dice it up, and add it toward the end of cooking. It adds a very subtle sweetness that no one will guess what it is. I tried them in a smoothie, but have not found the right ‘formula’ for a great one.
Like most edible items, there is a time range – just ripe enough to almost rotten. This time frame of course, will vary greatly based on the type of food. The real question is when is the ‘peak’ time? How does the item look and smell and taste when it is at its very best? Very best is also subjective. Perhaps you prefer tart over sweet. I decided the best way was to have a taste test with fruit of varied ripeness. I made a video of it so you can see for yourself and learn what coloring may be the ‘peak’ ripeness for you. Click here to see the video.
I found that when they are yellow with just a little green in the crevices was just about right. My husband preferred it when it was all yellow – a more ripe flavor. Texture / flavors vary from a tart green apple, to a Bartlett pear, to a papaya / orange mixed flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per 1 medium (3-5/8″ long) (91 g)
Calories 28
Total Fat 0.3 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.2 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 2 mg 0%
Potassium 121 mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 6 g 2%
Dietary fiber 2.5 g 10%
Sugar 3.6 g
Protein 0.9 g 1%
Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 52%
Calcium 0% Iron 0%
Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 0%
Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 2%
% Daily Value*