In modern times, we have never had so many new and exotic fruits to try – entering the marketplace that would have once been full of more conventional fruits like apples, oranges, and pears.
One such example is the star fruit which, while still somewhat hard to find, is becoming more and more commonplace around the world.
But what exactly is a star fruit, and what is the proper way to eat them?
What Is Star Fruit?
Also known as carambola, the star fruit is the edible fruit of the tree Averrhoa Carambola – a species of tree that is native specifically to southeast Asia.
The star fruit itself is known for its bright yellow coloring, its elongated shape, and its distinctive pointed ridges running lengthwise down each side of the fruit – giving it a similar shape to its namesake, the stars.
The entire fruit – skin and all – is edible, and while usually consumed raw, has long been included in dishes, preserves, and various other forms of cuisine and snacks.
What Does Star Fruit Taste Like?
Describing the actual taste of the star fruit is somewhat difficult – as the fruit is known for its complex mixture of flavors.
However, most would generally describe the fruit as having a sweet and sour flavor – one that makes it both incredibly popular, and widely useful for numerous applications.
The ‘Proper’ Way To Eat The Star Fruit
While the entire fruit is edible, as mentioned above, there are various ways of eating the fruit that are more common than others.
Generally speaking, the fruit is usually sliced – skin and all – and eaten without the need for any peeling or dissection.
Despite the appearance of the skin, it is now actually fibrous, and is in actual fact a substance similar in taste and consistency to the skin of grapes.
While looking fragile, the fruit is also easily sliced, when it is commonly served in attractive, star shaped segments. The fruit can also be eaten both raw – as with other fruits – or cooked, such as in various forms of pies, cakes, and desserts.
Star fruit is also commonly used to make jams, preserves, relishes, juices, and garnishes – making it one of the most versatile, and oddly easy fruits to eat on the market.
However, generally speaking, it is important to ensure you wash the fruit before eating, slice off the ends with a sharp knife, and remove the seeds from the center.
You also need to make sure that the fruit is ripe, as this will ensure a more pleasant flavor all around.
Is Star Fruit Healthy?
As well as being tasty and visually pleasing, star fruit is also known for being healthy – containing many nutrients, and beneficial plant compounds – all of which make it a great addition to any nutritious, balanced diet.
Are There Any Associated Benefits?
As you might imagine, such a healthy fruit has many associated benefits – both towards health and general wellbeing – and goes some way to explain why the fruit is so sought after, even in modern times.
High Nutrient Content
The main benefits associated with star fruits are the high nutrient levels that they contain. These nutrients include:
Fiber
Protein
Vitamin C
Vitamin B5
Folate
Copper
Potassium
Magnesium
Many of these factors represent significant percentages of the recommended daily intake, which makes the star fruit a great addition to your diet.
Heavy Plant Compounds
It is also rich in the plant compounds quercetin, gallic acid, and epicatechin – all of which have numerous benefits for the body.
All of them have antioxidant properties – which can help slow down the aging process, as well as prevent the onset of serious degenerative illnesses.
They have also been shown to reduce fatty liver disease in laboratory mice, and prevent the onset of cancer (also in mice).
Are There Any Downsides?
However, for some people, there are also some associated negative aspects that need to be addressed.
Kidney Issues
For those suffering from pre-existing kidney issues, star fruit should be avoided to be totally safe.
This is because of the high oxalate content within the fruit, which can lead to kidney damage, and star fruit toxicity when consumed in large amounts.
Symptoms include seizures, confusion, and even death in extreme cases.
Medication Issues
Similarly, for those taking certain kinds of medication, star fruits should be avoided.
As with grapefruits, star fruits can negatively affect the way that the medication breaks down within your system, and this can hinder and derail the effects that the drugs are supposed to be having on your body.
This is why it is always best to consult your doctor before trying any new fruits.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about star fruit, and the best ways to eat them once picked.
It is certainly true that, in modern times, we have never had so many choices when it comes to new and exotic fruit – with more and more varieties becoming widely available (see also: “How to Cut Dragon Fruit”).
However, with this availability, comes the need for proper knowhow and understanding.
So if you want to know the best way to eat star fruit, then be sure to follow this handy guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we know a little more about the star fruit, and the proper ways to eat them once picked, it is now time to answer some frequently asked questions that you might be interested in.
Is Star Fruit Expensive?
Unfortunately, star fruit is still expensive to purchase – at least when compared to more conventional fruit – and this is due to the limited growing locations, and the distance the fruit has to travel.
Is Star Fruit Hard To Find?
While you might not find it in your local grocery store, star fruit is becoming more and more common in major cities – allowing you to pick some up on your travels.
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
