Star Fruit Recipes

Star fruit is also known as Carambola and it's widely found in tropical regions of Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka. When it is sliced, its cross section resembles a five pointed star; hence the particular name. There are two varieties, one is sweet with fleshy ribs, and the other is slightly sour.

Before you buy this fruit, always check if it's light green in color and does not have any discolorations. The skin should be shiny and smooth. Avoid buying the ones whose ribs are browned or shriveled. Do not purchase the ones which are overripe, as they get spoiled quickly, and they also have a watery and bland taste.

Firstly, wash it thoroughly to remove the dirt and grime. Hold it vertically on a wooden chopping board and cut the brown outer edge of the five ridges. Now cut off its both ends. If you are not adept in handling a knife, then you can use a vegetable peeler to remove the ridges. Slice it into thin or thick disks. Remove the small seeds at the center with the tip of a sharp knife. Sprinkle a bit of salt and cayenne pepper, and enjoy this delicious treat. This fruit is visually appealing and it can be used in salads and desserts.

Ingredients

• Star fruits, 2 (sliced thinly)
• Tomato, 1 (sliced)
• Lettuce, ½ cup (shredded)
• Red onion, 1 (small and sliced)
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp.
• Lime juice, 1 tbsp.
• Red chili, 1 (sliced)
• Salt, ½ tsp.

Method
Arrange the sliced onions, tomatoes, and star fruits in a salad plate over shredded lettuce. Drizzle a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, red chillies, and salt.

Ingredients

• Star Fruit, 1 (sliced)
• Kiwi, 1 (sliced)
• Honeydew Melon, 1 cup (balled)
• Mango, 1 (sliced thinly)
• Sugar, ½ cup
• Water, 1 cup
• Ginger, 1 tbsp. (grated)

Method
In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in a cup of water. Add the grated ginger and stir the sugar syrup. Refrigerate when it reaches a thick consistency. In a glass bowl, arrange the melon balls, sliced mango, star fruit, and kiwi. Pour the cold syrup over the fruits and serve.

Ingredients

• Clams, 20
• Star fruits, 2 (sliced)
• Garlic cloves, 2 (minced)
• Shrimp paste, 1 tsp.
• Baby leeks, 2 tbsp. (finely chopped)
• Chicken stock, 2 cups
• Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp.
• Coriander, 4 tbsp. (chopped)

Method
In a large pot, simmer the chicken stock over medium heat. Add the clams, cover the lid, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the clams when the shells are open. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil, and stir fry the minced garlic with chopped baby leeks, until they are tender.

Add the shrimp paste and the cooked clams, along with the chicken stock and star fruits. Cook this mixture until you get a gravy like consistency. Serve with a sprinkling of coriander.

You can make a variety of dishes like salads, sauces, and chutneys with this fruit. It is readily available during the winter months. It's rich in Vitamin C, potassium, copper, pantothenic acid, and fiber. These fruits have a very low quantity of saturated fats and sodium. They are also high in antioxidants and flavonoids, which are good for your health.