Star Fruit - Carambola
Description
The carambola or star fruit is
a type of tropical fruit. The fruit gets its name via the star-shape look it has when sliced across the middle. The star fruit features waxy, green to golden yellow skin with a mixed flavor that resembles the lemon, pineapple and plum.
The entire fruit is edible and is usually eaten out of hand and extremely juicy. Carambola may also be used in cooking, and can be made into relishes, preserves, and juice drinks. In cross section, it resembles a star. The skin is thin, smooth, and waxy and turns a light to dark yellow when ripe.
Two kinds of star fruit are cultivated, sour and sweet. Sour varieties usually contain narrowly spaced ribs, whereas sweet varieties generally have thick, fleshy ribs. In general, the flavors between the two varieties are difficult to distinguish, as the sour variety nevertheless has some sweetness in it. The carambola is easily available between July and February.
Harvest season: All year round