Starfruit is one of the more unusual fruits you’ll ever encounter. It’s a tropical citrus fruit with a pronounced star-shaped zest used in many Asian and Southeast Asian dishes. But what exactly is star fruit, and what does it taste like? This article covers everything you ever wanted to know about star fruit, including what star fruit is, what it tastes and smells like, what health benefits it provides, and what star fruit goes well with. Let’s dive in!
What Is Star Fruit (Carambola)?
Star fruit is the fruit of the carambola tree, a tropical species that’s native to Southeast Asia. What is the star fruit’s real name? Star fruit is also known as “carambola” it’s also sometimes referred to as “five-angled fruit” or “Chinese star apple.” The carambola tree can grow up to 40 feet high and can live for over 100 years. Star fruit is often eaten raw, but it’s also used in many dishes and drinks. In addition to its unique flavor, star fruit provides a number of health benefits.
Starfruit grows in tropical climates throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands, including Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Hawaii. It’s not native to any country in Europe or North America.
How would you describe a star fruit? Starfruit is often described as having a tangy, sweet, or sour flavor. The sweetness of starfruit is due to the presence of high amounts of sugar, and the tangy, salty or spicy flavor is due to the presence of acids. Star fruit flavor is similar to oranges, lemons, limes, kiwis, and grapefruits.
What kind of fruit is a star fruit? Star fruit is a tropical citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and China. It’s also known as carambola or star apple in English. The star-shaped zest of the starfruit is full of pectin and makes this fruit very juicy. This makes star fruit perfect for Asian dishes, especially those with sour flavors.
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Is star fruit a superfood? The star fruit is packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and fiber. It’s also one of the richest fruits in antioxidants. So yes, it is a superfood!
Let’s take a closer look at what star fruit tastes like, how it’s prepared, and what health benefits it provides!
Star Fruit Flavor Profile
What does star fruit taste like? Star fruit has a rich sweet and sour flavor with citrus and vanilla notes. Star fruit has a delicate, juicy flesh and a bold, refreshing, summery aroma. Star fruit is tart and tangy but has rich sweet notes when ripe. Star fruit tastes like a combination of pineapple, kiwi, and grapefruit.
Starfruit has an incredibly unique flavor that some people love, and some people hate. Starfruit has an unusual combination of tangy sweetness with a hint of sourness that really makes this tropical fruit stand out. Star fruit flesh is very juicy and sweet, but it’s not nearly as sweet as a pineapple. Star fruit has a slightly tart flavor, almost like mango and somewhat bitter at the same time. It has the same texture as kiwi fruit or papaya.
Some people say that star fruit tastes like a mix between banana and apple, while others describe its flavor as similar to grapefruit. Star fruit is also sometimes described as having a “slightly metallic” taste, which is why some people aren’t huge fans of this tropical fruit.
Is star fruit sweet or sour? Starfruit is a sweet fruit, but it doesn’t taste like the sweetest fruit you’ll ever encounter. It’s more tart than sweet and has a bitter aftertaste that some people compare to green apples.
Starfruit tastes a lot like a combination between kiwi and lemon. It’s sour, with a strong apple-like aroma and a slightly salty undertone. The starfruit has a natural sweetness to it that’s not very prominent when eaten alone but adds to the overall flavor of the fruit when mixed with other ingredients such as honey or lemon juice.
Now you know that ripe star fruit is pleasantly tart, juicy, and sweet, but what about unripe star fruit? What does unripe star fruit taste like? Unripe star fruit has a rich bitter, and sour taste and a crunchy texture, which is hard to chew. Unripe star fruit is green or dark green and has no aroma, so it is better to wait till star fruit ripens and becomes sweet and tangy.
Star Fruit vs. Other Fruits
Let’s see how star fruit’s taste compares to other fruits:
Does star fruit taste like a banana? Although there are many similarities between star fruit and banana, the taste is not quite the same. When you bite into a star fruit, the tartness of its zest comes through. It’s similar to the way you taste a lemon. At the same time, banana tastes sweet and has rich honey and caramel notes.
Does star fruit taste like pineapple? Star fruit tastes like a combination of an orange and pineapple, but with more of the citrus flavor and less of the sweetness. Star fruit is also less juicy and sweet than pineapple.
Does star fruit taste like an orange? Yes. Star fruit has a very similar flavor to oranges and tastes like a combination of orange and pineapple. It doesn’t have quite as much sweetness as pineapple, though, so it’s not as sweet tasting as oranges!
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Does star fruit taste like kiwi? Star fruit tastes very light and sweet with just a hint of tartness, so it is often compared to kiwi. The smell of star fruit is reminiscent of lemon and has been described as fruity and fresh with hints of lime, kiwi, and pineapple.
Does star fruit taste like apples? The taste of star fruit is not so much apple-like as it is tropical. The flavors tend to be more like a combination of mango and pineapple. The “apple” flavor is from the star-shaped zest, which can be removed easily (just cut it off) when needed.
Star Fruit Aroma Profile
What does star fruit smell like? Star fruit has a distinctive smell, but it’s not as strong as you might think. It smells similar to both citrus fruits and tropical fruits like mango.
When you slice open a star fruit, the inside smells like a tropical paradise. Star fruit smells like a cross between a kiwi and a tangerine. It’s sweet, juicy, fragrant, and slightly tart.
Star Fruit Texture
Star fruit is crisp and sweet with a mild citrus flavor. It is not as juicy as other fruits, like mango or pineapple. It has a texture that is somewhere between a pear, an apple, and a lemon.
Is star fruit supposed to be crunchy? Star fruit is crunchy when unripe. Ripe star fruit becomes soft, almost like a ripe avocado but is still juicy and delicate.
How To Eat Star Fruit?
How do I eat star fruit? Star fruit is commonly eaten raw, but it can also be cooked in curries and stir-fries. Since the flavor of star fruit is sweet and mild, it goes well with spicy food. The texture of star fruit is crunchy, so it’s perfect for salads or fruit dishes. Star fruits are also used in cocktails, mocktails, and smoothies.
Star fruit can be eaten in many ways – it can be added to salads, smoothies, cocktails, savory dishes, and even meat stews. Star fruit goes well with apples, mango, pineapple, and oranges. Star fruit can also be eaten raw as is, but it is better to remove seeds and peel off the skin, which tends to be bitter. Star fruit is a perfect ingredient for desserts – it can be used to make jelly, marmalade, fruit salads, smoothies, pies, and puddings.
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Star fruit is used in cuisines all over the world. For example, in Asia, star fruit is often stewed with apples, cloves, and sugar. In Thailand, star fruit is cooked with shrimp and served as the main course. In Jamaica, star fruit is pickled, and in Hawaii, star fruit is a star ingredient of sherbet! There are so many ways to use star fruit, from eating as is to adding to pies, ice cream, cocktails, stews, and fish dishes.
Can you eat star fruit raw? Star fruit can be eaten raw. It can be cut into wedges and used in salads, mixed with nuts and fruit, or used as a dessert topping. It also makes an excellent addition to fruit smoothies.
Can you eat the seeds of a star fruit? Yes, you can eat the seeds of star fruit, but they are plain and slightly bitter.
Star Fruit Serving Tips
What does star fruit go well with? Star fruit goes well with other fruits like bananas, mangoes, pineapples, peach, grapes, and apples. Star fruit also goes well with meat (pork, beef, lamb) and seafood (shrimp, scallops, and crab). Star fruit is used to make jellies, pies, puddings, and candies.
You can eat star fruit raw or cooked. It’s usually prepared in stir-fries, curries, or desserts such as ice cream, puddings, cakes, and pies. You can also make your juice from the star fruit by peeling it and squeezing it in a juicer or blender.
What to Look for When Buying Star Fruit?
Choose a star fruit that is heavy for its size and has smooth skin. Avoid fruits that are bruised or have soft spots on the skin, as these indicate the fruit is overripe. The best star fruit is the one that has a firm, thick skin with no blemishes and is bright yellow or orange in color. The skin should be smooth, without any rips or holes. Star fruit also should feel slightly soft but not too much.
Where to buy star fruit? In the USA, star fruit can be found in special Asian grocery shops when the fruit is in season (October-December). You can also buy star fruit online on big sites like Amazon or Instacart.
Star Fruit Health Benefits
Is star fruit good for you? Star fruit is very good for you. Star fruit is a very good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. It’s also a good source of vitamin B6, which keeps your metabolism and nervous system in tip-top condition. Star fruit also has a low-calorie count and contains very little sodium.
Star fruit is high in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and strengthens bones. Vitamin C is essential for the growth of skin cells and collagen production, so it’s perfect for people with acne or other skin conditions. Star fruits are also rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals that cause aging and lower immunity. The antioxidants in star fruits also help prevent cancer by destroying cancerous cells before they can multiply into tumors.
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Star fruits are also good sources of potassium and magnesium—minerals that help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure levels. They are low in calories but high in essential nutrients that make them ideal for people who follow a weight-loss diet
Check out the list of benefits of eating star fruit below:
- strengthens bones, preventing the development of osteoporosis, and promotes better absorption of calcium
- strengthens the immune system
- improves the condition of hair, skin, and blood
- promotes muscle growth
- prevents arthritis and gout by removing excess uric acid
- regulates blood pressure
- prevents cardiovascular diseases
- stabilizes hemoglobin levels
- improves appetite
Star Fruit Nutrition Facts
How many calories are in star fruit?
One star fruit contains about 45 calories. It’s a good source of vitamin C and potassium, but it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol. Star fruits are very low in sodium, so they’re safe for people who want to lower their blood pressure. They’re also a good source of vitamin A, which helps your body maintain healthy skin, teeth, and eyes.
Facts You Didn’t Know About Star Fruit
- In India, star fruit is used as a remedy for hangovers
- In Sri Lanka, star fruit juice is used to remove stains from clothes
- Star fruit juice is great at quenching thirst
- In Florida, star fruit is often grown as a houseplant
- Since star fruit contains oxalic acid, its juice is used to whiten dentures
Conclusion
Star fruit, aka carambola, is a tropical citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The star-shaped zest is the edible part of the fruit. The skin of the star fruit has a mild flavor and is slightly sour and bitter. The star-shaped zest has a very sweet taste that makes it a perfect accompaniment for savory dishes.
Starfruit tastes sweet and sour like an orange but slightly more acidic than an orange. It’s very juicy with a crunchy texture. Some people describe it as having a mild lime flavor or even tasting similar to sour cherries or cranberries in their natural state before they’re dried. Some people describe starfruit’s taste as similar to oranges but sweeter and more acidic than oranges. If you want to broaden your diet with tasty and healthy fruits, exotic star fruit is your best go-to!
Star Fruit FAQ
Do you eat the skin of star fruit?
No, you don’t eat the skin of star fruit. The skin is edible, but it’s not very tasty. It’s mostly used as confectionery or a sweetener.
How do I store star fruit?
Starfruit can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks – simply wrap it in plastic wrap or paper and refrigerate (star fruit lasts for 7-10 days in the fridge). You can also keep star fruit in a cool, well-ventilated, dark place (in kitchen cupboards) for 7 days.
Do you refrigerate starfruit?
Star fruit is best stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place (like your kitchen cupboard), but it can also be refrigerated. Wrap star fruit in plastic wrap before refrigerating and keep it away from other fruits that release ethylene gas (like apples and bananas).
How long does star fruit last?
When properly stored, the shelf life of star fruit lasts for 7 to 10 days. Star fruit can be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, but it’s best to store it in the refrigerator (keep it in a closed plastic bag or sealed container).
Does star fruit taste good?
Star fruit tastes very good. It has a sweet and sour taste that makes it a perfect accompaniment for savory dishes. The flesh of the fruit is crunchy and juicy, and the skin is mildly bitter. Star fruits are popular in Southeast Asia, where they’re used in many savory dishes such as curries and stir-fries. They’re also eaten raw or used to garnish cocktails and other drinks.
What fruit is similar to star fruit?
Star fruit tastes sweet and sour at the same time, with a flavor that’s similar to grapes or green apples. It’s also slightly salty and has a hint of lemon-lime flavor. In terms of texture, star fruit is crunchy and juicy, just like pineapples. The flesh is somewhat fibrous, with a texture similar to that of a kiwi.
Is it ok to eat unripe star fruit?
Yes, you can eat unripe star fruit. However, it will be bitter, sour, and non-juicy. The skin of the unripe fruit is usually a dull green, but it becomes a shiny deep yellow when the fruit becomes ripe. That is why it is recommended to eat ripe star fruit to enjoy its sweet flavor and juicy texture.
