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Star fruit or carambola is native to southeast Asia, but it is now grown throughout the tropics. In the U.S., it is grown in Southern Florida and Hawaii. The picture above was taken in the farmer’s market in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is fairly common in Asian and Latin markets. The trick is to know what to do with it after you find it.
The star shape is revealed when sliced. It goes well in a plate of exotic fruits, as in this arrangement at the Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island (where it is well worth dining even if the accommodations are out of reach).
The fruits in the display look like eggs in fuzzy red shells are rambutans, tasting like lychee, and a real treat as well.
Star fruit has a very refreshing flavor, something between lemon and green apple. It is a little sharp for some, so it is often served with added sugar. The refreshing flavor goes well in drinks. The recipe search for star fruit yields drinks, fruit salads, jelly, and desserts.
The short answer of what to do with star fruit is to slice it up and eat it. The juice accumulates, so use a bowl.
Star fruit should not be eaten by anyone with kidney problems or by anyone who must avoid grapefruit.
What about star fruit is bad for the kidneys? My kidneys are not so hot, so I won’t eat start fruit. Are there any other fruits I should avoid?
— Paul · Oct 3, 02:08 PM · #
The troublesome agent in star fruit is oxalic acid. According to Wikipedia, “Oxalic acid and oxalates are abundantly present in many plants, most notably fat hen (lamb’s quarters), sorrel, and Oxalis species. The root and/or leaves of rhubarb and buckwheat are listed being high in oxalic acid…. Other edible plants that contain significant concentrations of oxalic acid include—in decreasing order—star fruit (carambola), black pepper, parsley, poppy seed, amaranth, spinach, chard, beets, cocoa, chocolate, most nuts, most berries, and beans.” So lay off the fat hen and sorrel for sure. Apparently the levels in star fruit are not a problem for persons with ordinary kidney function, but can produce severe reactions in people with dysfunction. A physician should be consulted about other plants on the list.
When I was a kid, I used to flush out the radiator on my junky car using a can of oxalic acid from the auto parts store. A clue there, perhaps.
— Roy · Jan 24, 12:49 PM · #