Star Fruit
Estimated Inventory, 8 lbs : 0.90
This item was last sold on : 11/21/24
Description/Taste
Glossy, yellow and translucent, unique star fruit's thin waxy skin has five deep lateral ridges that form charming star shapes when sliced. Easy to recognize, it is about two to five inches in length. Pleasantly citric, the complex taste of this attractive fruit has been described as combining plum, pineapple, apple, lemon and grape when it ripens to yellow. Its crisp texture offers a sweet-tart juice. Narrow ribbed fruits generally have a more tart flavor; thick fleshy ribs are usually sweet.
Seasons/Availability
Star Fruit is available year-round with sporadic gaps due to adverse weather conditions affecting production.
Nutritional Value
A good source of vitamin C and potassium, star fruit provides dietary fiber. One medium size fruit contains about 40 calories. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
Requiring no peeling or seeding, simply enjoy star fruit out of hand. Add to fruit and vegetable salads. Blend with avocado. Kiwis, mangoes and bananas welcome its tasty company. Add its goodness to enhance yogurt. Puree with other fruits or by itself for yummy Bavarian creams, ices, mousses and sherbets. For a texture and flavor balance, combine with sweet soft fruits. Sauté with shrimp. For edible garnish, sauté slices a second or two; sprinkle with sugar to glaze. Pair with fish and poultry dishes. Substitute for lemon or lime slices to garnish chilled beverages and cocktails. If green-ribbed fruit is purchased, let ripen until yellow unless a sharp tart taste is preferred. A full floral-fruity aroma is a sign it will taste its best. Keep at room temperature, turning occasionally, until its fragrant "perfume" develops. Store at room temperature if served in a day or two. Refrigerate ripe fruit.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Growing throughout Southeast Asia, star fruit is cherished for its sweet-tart acid taste and delightful presentation. Indonesians call it belimbing and belimbing manis; in Thailand, star fruit is called madun; and in the Philippines, it is called balimbing.
Geography/History
Native to Sri Lanka, the Moluccas, India and Indonesia, star fruit is considered to be a relatively "new" fruit and is now cultivated in the United States. Southeast Asia and Malaysia have cultivated star fruit for hundreds of years. Belonging to the wood sorrel family and of the species Averrhoa carambola, star fruit has a close relative called "belimbing". Other names include Carambola, Chinese star fruit, star apple and quite appropriately, five-angled fruit. This scented fruit was named after a twelfth century Arabic physician and philosopher, Averrhoes. Grown in Asia, South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Hawaii, trees were acquired from Hawaii and brought to the American mainland nearly one hundred years ago. Only recently has star fruit been readily available in American markets. Florida is a major producer.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Venissimo Cheese Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-847-9616 |
| Buckboard Catering & Events | El Cajon CA | 619-334-4400 |
| Animae (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. | San Diego CA | 508-289-2667 |
| Fox Point Farms (Haven) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Huntress (Banquet) | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
| Hyatt Islandia | San Diego CA | 619-224-1234 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Star Fruit. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Dad- Baker & Chef |
|
Starfruit Juice |
| The Clever Carrot |
|
Tropical Spiced Fruit Salad with Mangoes & Mint |
