Overview and Facts about Star Fruit
The carambola or star fruit is a type of tropical fruit that has
become increasingly popular in the US. 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.
Originated from the Moluccas and Sri Lanka, and grown in Malaysia and
Southeast Asia for several centuries, the star fruit has got several
other names including: belimbing, bilimbi, Chinese star fruit, the
star apple and five-angled fruit. These days, star fruit thrives in
Hawaii and south Florida as it endures growing in a warm atmosphere.
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.
Health Benefits of Star Fruit
- The star fruit is an excellent source of ascorbic acid, which is
important to the fitness of your body, as it assists in maintaining
bones, teeth, mucus membranes, skin and improves the immune system.
Based on Nutrition Data, which is responsible to make reports on
nutritional facts for Department of Agriculture in the United
States, a single cup of sliced carambola has 37.2 mg of vitamin C.
- The star fruit provides little amounts of the B vitamins such as
vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, and the derivatives may help lower
cholesterol and speed up wound recovery. In addition, it contains
folate or vitamin B9 that is essential for preventing birth defects as well
as for reducing the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
- The fruit has beta-carotene, which can be converted into
retinol or
vitamin A in your body for good vision and appetite.
- The star fruit contains both antimicrobial and antioxidant
activities. Extracts of the fruit proved antimicrobial activity
against Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi and
Staphylococcus aureus.
- The fruit contains small quantities of potassium, which regulate
blood pressure level; iron for balanced red blood cells; as well as
calcium and magnesium, which function together to help fortify
bones.
- The star fruit is rich in soluble fiber, which can be useful to
reduce cholesterol levels and keep your bowels healthy.
How to Choose and Buy Star Fruit?
- Pick firm, shiny fruit with even color. The star fruit may ripen at
ordinary room temperature and you can see light brownish edges on
the fruit ribs when it is fully ripe.
- Avoid buying fruit that has
brown, shrivelled ribs. It is also sold dried.
How to Store Star Fruit?
- Non-ripe fruit ought to be turned frequently, until they become
yellow and having light brown ribs.
- You may store ripe star fruit at
normal room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate, unwashed, in a
plastic bag for as many as a week.
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