Star Fruit

Look for firm carambolas with bright yellow or yellow-green skin; the edges may be slightly brown. If the fruit is mostly green, it is not ripe. When a carambola is dark yellow with brown spots all over, it is overripe.

If you buy a green carambola, store it at room temperature away from sunlight for a few days — it will ripen to yellow. Store star fruit with brown ridges in the refrigerator for up to four days to avoid over-ripening. Overripe fruit will have brown spots all over and can develop a fermented flavor.

The entire fruit can be eaten including the waxy skin. To cut: run a sharp knife along each of the five ridges to remove the brown outer edges, then slice crosswise to reveal the iconic star shape. Use the tip of the knife to remove seeds.

Star fruit is popular in fruit salads, compotes, smoothies, drinks, and cocktails. It can be baked (star fruit upside-down cake is a classic) and works in savory dishes cooked with chicken, shrimp, and curries.

Native to Asia, it appears throughout the region in Indian curries, Goan chutney (Karmalache Goad Mel), Vietnamese sour soup (canh chua), and many more traditional preparations.

Note: Star fruit contains oxalic acid and caramboxin, which can be harmful to people with kidney problems or those taking blood pressure medication. Consult a doctor if this applies to you.

Fresh carambola only lasts a few days. To preserve for later use: purée and freeze (keeps up to four months), dehydrate into chips, pickle, or turn into jam or marmalade.

Although star fruit is native to Southeast Asia, it has been grown in Florida for over 100 years.

Some especially acidic varieties of star fruit can be used to remove rust and tarnish from metals like brass — thanks to their high oxalic acid content.

Seasonality: In South Florida, star fruit is harvested during two periods — August to September and December through February. Depending on the grower's schedule, local fruit may be available year-round.

Geography: Grown commercially throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America. In the US, Florida represents about 90% of production, with the remainder mostly from Hawai'i. The Florida industry has been active since the 1970s as growers seek crops to supplement citrus and avocado.

Pesticides: Star fruit is susceptible to aphids and mites. Commercial producers may use pesticides, though biological methods (releasing predatory wasps) have also seen success. Purchase organic when possible to reduce exposure.

Water: As a tropical fruit, star fruit has high water needs and requires rich soil, making it sensitive to cooler temperatures and wind.