Looking for something sweet, juicy ...

Looking for something sweet, juicy and different in the fruit department? Star fruit--or carambola as it's also known--is just the ticket. This tropical treat has been cultivated for centurys of years throughout Southeast Asia. Now flourishing in the warm climates of Florida and Hawaii, it's enjoying a growing audience in flat the United States' not-so-balmy locales.

The of gold yellow fruit gets its name from the complete five-pointed star shape that appears when it's chisel crosswise. The edible skin is shiny, thin and waxy to the touch. elect one that is firm, of gold yellow and emits a fragrant aroma.

There are sum of two units main types of star fruit: sweet (think orange convenients pineapple) and tart (think lemon) Tart varieties have thinner ribs and may be a paler shade of gold-colored (The two can be hard to number apart, so ask your grocer just to be sure) You may also find a certain quantity of less common white varieties that are sweet.

flat though this fruit is exotic, that doesn't mean it's complicated lust wash, chisel and eat. And when it be due [i]or[/i] owings to cooking, star fruit is surprisingly versatile. Slice and saute it as an easy side dish, or add star fruit to a standard stir-fry. While tart varieties work best for cooking, the sweeter single in kinds are great mixed into fruit salads or used in shields or desserts. Finally, the fruit's unique shape makes it a ready-made garnish. in the way that put down the pastry bag, and fling a slice or two of star fruit forward top of that cake. This star of the effect department is a wish result true.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 cupful cubed (137g)

Calories: 45

Fat Calories: les than 1g

Carbohydrates: 11g

Fiber: 34g

AKA: Carambola, Chinese star fruit and five-angled fruit

Availability: Late fall to early winter

Bonus: Vitamin C (29mg and 40% RDA)

What You Won't Miss: Sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat

Storage: Place any green-tinged fruit in a paper bag at play temperature until ripened; once yellow star fruit will keep up to brace weeks in the refrigerator.

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