also called carambola, is a star-shaped fruit that has a subtle, citrusy flavor.
Here, it is both common and popular because of its high water content and is a refreshing treat in our tropical heat.
The juicy fruit is a good alternative to water as it has a relatively higher water content than most fruits.
It is also an excellent source of Vitamin C. A small whole fruit will contribute to one-third of the recommendeddaily Vitamin C intake. It is also high in dietary fibre and naturally sodium-free.
When buying starfruits, choose those that are skinny, firm and evencoloured.
If only unripe fruits are available, all you need to do is to place them in room temperature and turn them often until they turn yellow.
The starfruit is also popular because it is convenient to eat. Simply wash the fruit, remove the blemished areas and slice them across.
Star fruits get their name from their shape, which is like a 5-pointed star. This page provides some basic information and some photos of star fruit (carambola)
Scientific name: Averrhoa carambola L.
Family: Oxalidaceae
Order: Oxalidales
Common names:Starfruit, Carambola
Origin: Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia
Distribution: Southeast Asia and Malaysia, Caribbean islands, Central America, tropical South America, tropical West Africa, Zanzibar, southern China, Taiwan, India, Philippines, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, etc.
Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
Flowers :The fragrant flowers have a pink color and are about 1 cm in diameter. Flowers are borne in clusters in axils of leaves on young branches, or they grow on older branches without leaves. The trees bloom several times throughout the year.
Leaves : The leaves are spirally arranged and 15 to 25 cm long. Leaves have 5 to 11 nearly opposite, ovate-oblong leaflets. These leaflets are 4 to 8 centimeter long. The leaves are soft, medium-green, and smooth on the upper surface. The underside is faintly hairy with a whitish color. The leaflets are sensitive to light and usually fold together at night or when the tree is disturbed.
Fruits: Carambola fruits are ovate to ellipsoid in shape. They are 6 to 13 cm long and the fruits have 5 (sometimes 4 or 6) longitudinal ribs. The fruit has a golden-yellow to green color. When cut across it shows a 5-pointed star shape, which is why it is also called "star fruit". The crunchy fruits have a slightly tart, acidic, sweet taste. The fruit starts out with a green color. As it ripens the color turns to yellow. The fruit cab be eaten in both the green and yellow stages.
Climate and weather: Tropical and sub-tropical climates
Height: 5 - 9 meter
Crwon: The carambola tree has a much-branched, bushy, broad, rounded crown.
Type of soil: Prefers rich loam, but also grows well on sand, heavy clay or limestone. It cannot stand flooding and needs good drainage.
Growth rate: Slow growing tree.
Spacing (close range) 6 meter
Spacing (wide range) 9 meter
Propagation:Grown from seed.
Insect pests:Fruit flies, Fruit moths, Fruit spotting bugs
Diseases:No major diseases
Harvesting:Fruits fall to the ground when fully ripe. Hand pick the fruits when mature (pale green with a touch of yellow).
Uses:Fruits are eaten fresh or are used to make juice.
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