February Fruit of the Month: Star Fruit
The star fruit or carambola is a tropical fruit that is gaining popularity in the United States. This fruit acquired its name from the 5-pointed star shape when cut across the middle of the fruit.
It has a waxy, golden yellow to green color skin with a complicated flavor combination that includes plums, pineapples, and lemons.
Star Fruit Origin
Originally from Sri Lanka and the Moluccas, and cultivated in Southeast Asia and Malaysia for several hundred years, this fruit also goes by many other names including: bilimbi, belimbing, Chinese star fruit, 5-angled fruit and the star apple. Today, star fruit flourishes in south Florida and Hawaii because the fruit thrives on growing in a warm environment.
Star Fruit Varieties
2 types of star fruit are grown, tart and sweet. Tart varieties typically have narrowly spaced ribs, while sweet varieties tend to have thick, fleshy ribs. The tastes between the 2 are hardly distinguishable, as the tart variety still has some sweetness. This tropical fruit is readily available July-February.
Star Fruit Salad Recipe
Makes 4 servings
Each serving equals 1 cup of fruit or vegetables
Source: Produce for Better Health
Ingredients
2 star fruit
2 kiwis
2 bananas
1 cup mango fruit nectar
1 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
Peel kiwi and banana, cut into medium size pieces. Slice star fruit into ¼-inch thickness. Combine all fruits in bowl. Add nectar over mixture. Refrigerate for 3 hours. Top with vanilla yogurt.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 201, Protein 5g, Fat 2g, Calories From Fat 7%, Cholesterol 3mg, Carbohydrates 46g, Fiber 6g, Sodium 46mg.
