While exploring Byculla, the large spread put by the vendor in the shade of a big tree caught my eye. He had a huge basket of Carambola also known as the star fruit. It reminded me of my childhood and suddenly I winced remembering the intense sourness of the first Carambola I had consumed.

Carambola is native to Southeast Asia and has been commonly cultivated and consumed in many parts of South Asian Countries like India for many centuries. India is said to be the largest producer of this fruit.

Botanical name of Carambola:

Averrhoa carambola

Other names:

Starfruit in English, Kamrakh in Hindi and Gujarati, Karambal in Marathi, and Kamranga in Bengali.

About the fruit:

Carambola or Starfruit grows on trees. It is somewhat oval but longer and has a smooth waxy coating. It usually ranges from 2 1/2 inches to 6 inches in length and when you slice it, it appears like a star.

In the initial stages, it has a distinct green colour but as it ages it turns greenish-yellow and can go up to yellowish-orange, and its taste changes accordingly.

It mainly is available in 2 varieties, of which one is smaller and sourer than the other.

Taste :

The green ones are super sour, while the tanginess is balanced with their unique sweetness as they turn yellow.

How to Purchase and store Carambola?

Depending on when you want to use them and how you want to use them you can purchase the Starfruit. If you want to store them, buy the green one, and if your recipe asks for tangy/sour star fruit, buy the green ones while the yellow ones can be used wherever sweet-sour flavor is needed.

Nutrition facts:

Carambolas/ Star fruits are low in calories. They are rich in vitamin C and a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin B, minerals like copper, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, etc, and antioxidants.

Nutrition Table	(per 100 gms)
Energy	26.29kcal
Carbohydrates	4.51gms
Protein	0.79gms
Fats	0.39gms
Vitamin C	33.55mg
Fiber	2.81gms
Potassium	159mg
Folate	8.43mcg

This fruit has several nutritional and medicinal uses. It has many positive health effects and some of these include antioxidants, hypoglycemic, anti-cholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, immune immune-boosting effects

Culinary Uses:

This fruit is super versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes from beverages to curries or even fermented recipes. Some culinary uses include-

• Fresh Starfruit can be Cut, sliced, and served with salt and chilli powder.
• Salads and dips
• Juices and Smoothies
• Jams, and marmalades
• Desserts like puddings

Summary

While Carambola has many positive effects, this fruit is high in oxalic acid. This fruit also needs to be consumed with caution, especially by those who have specific medical issues like kidney diseases, gastric issues, etc, or are on some medications. Make sure to speak to your Dietitian before you consume it.