There is one star fruit tree at Pika and it produces copious amounts of fruit in July - August - September (that seems to be the best time for fruit here) and then as far as I can tell just a few here and there throughout the rest of the year. Though I live in hope of another bumper crop soon!
http://caribfruits.cirad.fr/fruits_des_antilles/caramboleThe leaves of the tree often turn yellow, and from afar you can be tricked into thinking that there is a juicy starfruit waiting to be picked...nope, just a leaf!
This is the only star fruit on our tree right now, hanging straight from the branch itself (they are usually on the smaller branches).
A picture for anyone unfamiliar with the interior. They are ripe when yellow and we eat them by slicing off the edge of the five points and the ends, then cutting them in stars. I eat the whole thing pips and all, but the girls are a bit fussier!
http://www.malaysiahalalfoods.com/pics/starfruit.jpgThey are a great first fruit for babies - all three of ours have enjoyed star fruit before they began solids. This is CassCass enjoying hers and we have a similar photo of LissaLou back home! They suck suck away until there is very little left!
Whilst we usually just eat them as they are, their other delicious use is as a juice. Cut into chunks and put through the centifruge is the best method, as unlike many juices here, you get to enjoy the pure juice with no added water or sugar.
Whilst we usually just eat them as they are, their other delicious use is as a juice. Cut into chunks and put through the centifruge is the best method, as unlike many juices here, you get to enjoy the pure juice with no added water or sugar.Good for you
According to Wikipedia they are close to being a super fruit, which is good to know! They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in sugar, sodium and acid. Plus they are a good source of all of these: vitamin A, potassium, calcium, fibre, phospohorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, tryptophan, 16 amino acids and oxalic acid.
Watch out
Oxalic acid can be harmful for those with kidney problems. The consumption of star fruit can also interact with certain medications.
All photos from Pika unless otherwise stated
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