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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Star Apples are round and approximately two to four inches in diameter at maturity. Its skin is smooth, leathery and depending on variety either purple to red or yellow to green in color. The inner rind of the purple variety is dark purple and in green fruits white. This rind surrounds a soft, creamy, white pulp as well as six to eleven gelatinous seed cells. When the fruit is cut in half the gelatinous cells form a star shape, hence the name of the fruit. Some of the cells encase small, pointed, flat, black seeds. Fruits can contain anywhere between three and ten seeds, those with fewer seeds tend to have the best flavor. The pulp of the Star Apple is aromatic and has a tropical sweet flavor with nuances of apple, lychee and persimmon. Ripe Star Apples will be slightly wrinkled and dull in color with a soft give when squeezed. To fully ripen, keep at room temperature and once ripe store in the refrigerator.
Seasons/Availability
Star Apples are available in the spring.
Current Facts
The Star Apple is of the family Sapotaceae and relative of the mamey sapote and the green sapote. They are known by a variety of different names such as golden-leaf tree, caimito maduraverde in Spain, caimite and caimitier in France and cainito and ajara in Portugal. There are two different varieties of Star Apples one with purple skin and one with green skin. Both varieties are tree ripened and unlike many tree fruits will not fall off the tree when mature so must be picked by hand when ripe.
Nutritional Value
The pulp of the Star Apple provides a fair amount of vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous. Its pulp has also been found to be rich in phytochemicals aka antioxidants, which have been shown to help to prevent certain cancers and support a healthy immune system. The pulp of the Star Apple has been used to treat sore throats and reduce the inflammation associated with pneumonia and laryngitis. When ground the seeds can be used as a tonic and diuretic. In some areas both a beverage made of the bark of the Star Apple tree and the pulp of the fruit are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. If eaten in excess the Star Apple can cause constipation.
Applications
Star Apples are prized for the soft sweet pulp they contain, which is most often enjoyed raw as is but can be used in a number of dessert and beverage preparations as well. Both the skin and rind of the fruit are bitter and inedible, to prepare slice in half and use a spoon to remove the pulp. Aside for a few medicinal purposes typically the seeds are not consumed. Best when served chilled the pulp of the fruit can be used in beverages, parfaits, sorbet and both green and fruit salads. Its flavor pairs well with mango, oranges, condensed milk, coconut milk and whipping cream.
Geography/History
The Star Apple was first documented by the Spanish explorer Cieza de Leon who discovered it growing in Peru in the 1500’s. Later it made its way to the Philippines, Panama, Guatemala, the Caribbean Islands, Zanzibar and the warmer parts of India. In the late 1800’s the United States Department of Agriculture acquired seeds from Jamaica and began growing the Star Apple first in Florida and then soon after in Hawaii. The Star Apple tree thrives in warm to hot tropical climates and is not very tolerant of cold and frost, particularly in young trees. Most commonly Star Apple trees are grown as home trees or in the wild and along roadsides. Commercial production is currently done on a small scale in southern Florida.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Star Apple. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Star Apple using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 71 days ago, 2/04/21 Sharer's comments : Star apples! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 77 days ago, 1/29/21 Sharer's comments : Star Apples! 
Seafood Ranch Market
Seafood Ranch Market
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States3756 W Ave 40 Suite N Los Angeles CA 90065 323-255-7827 http://www.americanranchmarket About 439 days ago, 2/02/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful. 
LF Market Oriental & Seafood
LF Market Oriental & Seafood
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States5350 W Bell Road #115 Glendale AZ 85308 602-993-5878 About 452 days ago, 1/20/20 
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Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 485 days ago, 12/18/19 
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Near San Diego, CA, United StatesAbout 519 days ago, 11/14/19 |
