Star Fruit is the Star Attraction!

When cut crosswise, the carambola has a striking star shape, which is why it’s also called star fruit. You can tell it's ripe when most of the tinges of green are gone and the fruit takes on a glowing gold appearance.

Those with greening ribs may be ripened at room temperature. Use ripe carambolas within a few days or store, wrapped tightly in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

One cup of raw carambola contains just 43 calories and has just a trace of protein and fat. Star fruit are best when they're fresh. The skin of the fruit is tender and eaten – no need to peel, although sometime the outer edge of the ribs may be removed if they have become bruised.

Cut the fruit crosswise into thin slices which look just like stars. If you prefer, you can cut into chunks for adding to salads and other fruit mixes.

Carambola Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

1 sliced, seeded carambola

1 banana, sliced

Juice of 1 lime

1 orange, peeled and sliced

Directions:

Lightly mix fruit with lime juice. Serve cold over lettuce leaves or as fruit cups.

Published 08/01/08