Starfruit

Description

Starfruit (also known as ‘carambola’) is a must-try for exotic fruit lovers!

As you have probably guessed, these fruits are best known for their distinctive appearance. These medium-sized, waxy-skinned fruits have 5 ridged edges, so when they are sliced crossways, the slices are shaped like stars (hence their name)!

However, it is not only their eye-catching appearance that delights the senses – starfruit’s flavour is similarly spectacular!

When they are picked before they’ve reached full maturity, starfruits are firm and green with a crisp, citrus-like flavour. At this stage, they primarily impart sour notes, so they are ideal for salads and stir-fries. Yet, if left to ripen fully, starfruits turn a dazzling bright yellow in colour and they soften significantly. Once completely mature, starfruits are succulent and crisp, and boast a divine sweet-tart savour, with delectable notes of grape and plum!

Ripe starfruits are best enjoyed when simply eaten fresh out of hand, especially because the entire fruit is edible, including the small, brown seeds! Slices are also popularly combined in fruit salads. The fruits are also perfect for juicing – indeed, in Brazil, starfruit juice is renowned as an excellent thirst quencher! Starfruit juice is also an excellent addition to cocktails and slices of starfruit make brilliant cocktail garnishes! Check out the ‘Further information’ tab below for some more recipe inspiration, including a scrumptious starfruit bruschetta!

Furthermore, starfruits are nutritionally beneficial. In particular, they are extremely rich in vitamin C – one starfruit provides half your daily required vitamin C content! – provide great amounts of vitamin K, and are a good source of dietary fibre