How to Tell When a Star Fruit Is Ripe
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Also referred to as carambola, the star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a type of tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that grows on trees. This relatively rare fruit has a star shape when sliced, hence its common name.
For best flavor and texture, star fruit should be picked from the tree when it is fully ripe. Color is the main indicator of star fruit ripeness.
Star Fruit Tree Facts
- Native to India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, the star fruit tree is an evergreen that reaches heights between 20 to 30 feet.
- The star fruit tree is extinct in the wild, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. However, it is grown commercially for its fruit in various parts of the world, including Florida.
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The tree is only winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12. In areas where it is not winter hardy, the star fruit tree can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. However, trees grown under those conditions do not produce fruit.
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When grown under optimal conditions, which include protection from winds and plenty of moisture, star fruit trees may begin to bear fruit 10 to 14 months after planting, says the University of Florida IFAS Extension. You can expect the amount of fruit to increase as the tree matures.
- It takes 7 to 12 years for a star fruit tree to reach full maturity. A mature star fruit tree is capable of producing between 250 to 350 pounds of fruit every year.
How Do You Know When a Star Fruit Is Ripe?
It takes about 60 to 75 days for star fruit to ripen. Some star fruit cultivars may produce multiple crops a year. Regardless of the variety, star fruit must be allowed to ripen on the tree, as it will not continue to ripen after it has been picked.
According to PlantVillage, color is one way to gauge star fruit ripeness. When a star fruit is ripe, it turns from green to yellow. However, the edges of the fruit's five ribs stay green.
When to Pick a Ripe Star Fruit
Star fruit will usually fall off the tree when ripe, though you can pick them directly off the tree when they appear ready.
After they have been picked, star fruit can be kept in bags in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
What Does Star Fruit Taste Like?
Star fruit has a length between 2 to 6 inches depending on the variety and five ribs that run lengthwise. All parts of the fruit are edible, including the waxy outer peel and the seeds.
The flesh is extremely juicy yet also crisp. Some varieties of star fruit have a tart taste, while others are slightly sweeter.
According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, the star fruit makes for a nutritious addition to a diet, as it contains vitamins A and C as well as minerals like potassium and phosphorus.
This fruit is usually consumed fresh, and its star shape adds a whimsical touch to a plate when it is used as a garnish.
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References
Tips
- Preserve star fruit by canning it or drying it in a food dehydrator.
- A single carambola tree may produce 100 to 250 pounds of fruit.
Warnings
- If you have kidney disease avoid eating star fruit. It has large amounts of oxalic acid which may cause renal failure.
- The ribs on star fruit are easily bruised. Take care not to put undue pressure on them while handling or storing.
Writer Bio
Since beginning her career as a professional journalist in 2007, Nathalie Alonso has covered a myriad of topics, including arts, culture and travel, for newspapers and magazines in New York City. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Columbia University and lives in Queens with her two cats.
