TIP OF THE DAY: Starfruit (Carambola)
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Don’t pass up the opportunity to decorate your food with starfruit this season. These “edible stars” can be used just about everywhere:
Starfruit or carambola (star fruit is an alternate spelling) is the fruit of a species of tree (Averrhoa carambola) native to southeast Asia. The tree is also cultivated throughout the subtropical belt, including Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. These are the fruits that are sold in the U.S., as a result of import restrictions due to pests. |
Make every drink and dish a “star” with |
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Starting as firm, pale green fruit, starfruit turns yellow when ripe and retains its firmness. Cut horizontally, the slices are perfect five-pointed stars. The edible skin has a shiny glow; the fruit is nicely crunchy like an apple. A sweet starfruit has an orange-pineapple flavor. There are two main types of starfruit—sweet and tart—so you may have to ask the produce manager to clarify which type you’re looking at.
Not only is starfruit attractive; it’s healthy, too. Starfruit is rich in vitamin C antioxidants and low in sugar and acid (though it should not be consumed by people with kidney problems). Find more of our favorite fruits and recipes in our Gourmet Fruit Section.
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