Carambola
Also indexed as: Star Fruit
The unique star shape of carambola makes its slices a beautiful garnish
for cakes, fruit and vegetable trays, and entrées.
Believed to have originated in Malaysia, the carambola is a translucent green or pale
yellow fruit, about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.5cm) long, that ripens to a golden yellow. It has
four to six strongly pointed ridges that run from top to bottom, and when the fruit is cut
crosswise each slice is shaped like a star, hence its nickname, “star fruit.”
Varieties
So far is known, there is just one variety of carambola.
Buying and storing tips
Look for shiny yellow carambolas that are without bruises and are not too soft. Carambolas
with a little green color on the ridges may be ripened at home. Ripe carambola should be used
as soon as possible. If it’s not going to be used immediately, tightly wrap ripe
carambola in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
Availability
Carambola is available year-round in well-stocked supermarkets and specialty groceries.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Carambolas do not need to be peeled. Unripe carambolas can be prepared as a vegetable,
usually in stir-fry dishes. Ripe carambolas can be puréed into sorbets or puddings, or
added to salads. When sliced, their unique star shape adds a beautiful garnish to cakes,
cocktails, fruit and vegetable trays, and entrées. Dried carambola makes a delicious
snack.
Nutritional Highlights
Carambola, 1 cup (137g) (cubes, raw)
Calories: 45
Protein: 0.74g
Carbohydrate: 10.7g
Total Fat: 0.48g
Fiber: 3.7g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (29mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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