Star Fruit - Carambola
Introduction
Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) which is also known as carambola, is a tree species native to Southeast Asia. It took the name star fruit because when it is cut in cross-section, it resembles a star. It is an unusual fruit that is getting increasingly popular. It has a sweet and sour taste and it can be used in a great number of different dishes.
History
The star fruit has been cultured in the areas of Southeast Asia for centuries. Asian traders introduced star fruit in other parts of Asia such as India and Sri Lanka and it was later introduced in China, Taiwan, and Oceania. Its popularity enabled it to be introduced in USA, South and Central America, Caribbean and in certain parts of Africa.
Regions
Star fruit is native in Southeast Asia but traders over the centuries introduced it to many parts of the world. Nowadays major producers of starfruit are Australia, USA, Malaysia, India, Israel, Taiwan, Guyana and the Philippines.
Flavours & Texture
The starfruit has a pleasant and unusual taste which resembles a mixture of pear, apple, grape and citrus family fruits. Its texture is similar to that of grapes and its flesh is very juicy, firm and crunchy.
Preparation
The entire fruit including its skin can be eaten raw in a salad, as a juice or smoothies but it can be also cooked. For a more palatable experience, we recommend cutting off both ends and then removing the five remaining edges. This fruit is best enjoyed when the edges start to turn brown. If multiple brown dotted spots have started to appear in the inner crevices, the fruit it is past its best.
Nutritional Value
Star fruit is low in calories but high in fibre and vitamin C. It’s very nutritious considering its low calorie content.
Calories per 100 g |
31 kcal |
Fat |
0.3 g |
Carbohydrate |
6.7 g |
Fibre |
2.8 g |
Protein |
1 g |
Sodium |
2 mg |
Vitamin C |
52% of the RDI |
Calcium |
3 mg |
Iron |
0.08 mg |
Potassium |
133 mg |
SHIPPING
Choose your desired delivery date at the checkout, available delivery dates will be displayed at checkout stage. All orders are dispatched via DHL on a 24hr Next Working Day service. If no date is selected your order will be dispatched at the next available date.
We offer Free Next Working Day Delivery on all orders over £75 including our selection boxes.
Our shipping rates are as follows:-
England - £6.95
Scotland - £9.95
Northern Ireland - £9.95
Customers are responsible for being present at the shipping address provided on the date selected at checkout. Exotic Fruits are not responsible for any missed or attempted deliveries that must be rearranged by the customer.
All orders are packed in cardboard boxes with a biodegradable packing pellets to protect the fruit during transit, unfortunately we do not offer a gift wrapping or send the fruit in a gift basket as this may cause toe bruise during transit..
RETURNS
Let's start by stating the obvious. Since our produce is perishable we cannot accept returns.
That said, we want every customer to be happy so we do offer vouchers, refunds and replacements at our sole discretion if your fruit has arrived inedible. If you would like to report an item which has become damaged or perished during transit, please:- We are not responsible for products that spoil if there is not someone to receive your delivery on the date that you request it, full tracking is provided and can be requested anytime after dispatch.