Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola)
Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a fruiting tree in the family Oxalidaceae, native to the Philippines, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as carambola. Starfruit is grown in Southeast Asia, and semitropical areas, including Florida, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Malaysia is the global leading producer of starfruit, by volume, and ships the product all over Asia and Europe. Starfruit tree is a slow-growing, tropical and subtropical tree, growing up to 6.1 m tall. It has short trunk with multi-branched, bushy, broad and rounded crown. The deciduous leaves are alternate, spirally-arranged, imparipinnate, 15-20 cm long with 5-11 nearly opposite leaflets that are of rounded base and pointed tips. The small clusters of red-stalked, lilac or purple streaked, downy flowers are borne on the twigs in the axils of the leaves. The fruit, 6-15 cm long and up to 9 cm wide, is showy, oblong, with five longitudinal edges. The fruit is entirely edible. The fruit is best consumed when ripe, when they are yellow with a greenish hue. The whole fruit can be eaten, including the slightly waxy skin. The flesh of ripe fruit is crunchy, firm, juicy and sweet with a tart, sour, undertone. Overripe fruit will be darker yellow in color with brown spots, and soggier in texture. Unripe starfruits are green, firmer and sour in taste. Starfruit is rich in vitamin C, and a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants. It is low in sugar, sodium, acid and possess antimicrobial properties. Starfruit is a fruit with oxalic acid content, which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney stones, kidney failure, or those under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can result in having mental confusion, hiccup, vomiting and nausea, with some lead to death. There are two distinct classes of starfruit - the smaller, very sour, richly type with more oxalic acid; and the larger, sweeter type with less oxalic acid. Ripe starfruit can be eaten fresh, sliced and served in salads, or as a garnish in avocado or seafood dishes. It is used in puddings, tarts, stews and curries. Startfuit is also used in making jam, beverages and as seasoning. Starfruit tree grows well in full sun, and well-drained soil. The tree is relatively pest-free except for fruit flies, ants and birds. Propagation is by seeds.  Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola) Author: Scott Bauer (public domain) | ||
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