Wondering what does star fruit taste like? Well, we got you covered!
Star fruit or carambola, call it whatever you want. But the thing is, you can’t stop yourself from drooling once you see it on the streets or at the stores.
It is a gorgeous, little fruit that looks like a star when sliced. Depending upon the varieties, its taste ranges from sour to extremely sweet. It is no less than a delicious treat in hot summers.
So let’s find out just what star fruit tastes like !
What does star fruit taste like?
Star fruit tastes tart and sweet. It’s best described as a cross between a pear, apple, and plum, with a hint of citrus added. Unripe star fruits are more on the sour, citrus side while very ripe ones resemble plums and pineapple.
As mentioned above, the taste of star fruits depends on the level of ripeness. Generally, the taste ranges from sour to very sweet but as with all fruit, each particular one will differ a little.
You can use star fruit in any way you like. It looks great sliced up and added to a fruit salad, or you can add it to smoothies and simply eat it as-is.
What does star fruit smell like?
Perfectly ripe star fruit has a sweet floral smell. If it’s not ripe enough it will not smell so strong so you can find some that are odorless.
The smell is a bit underwhelming if you don’t smell it from a close distance so make sure you smell it close enough to know if the star fruit you have in your hand is ripe or not.
What is the texture of star fruit?
The texture of star fruits is similar to that of pears. The ripe fruits are filled with juicy flesh. They have a glossy skin and are very tender.
You can bite into them to get a mouthful of amazing taste and flavor. Moreover, they have an edible skin which adds a nice crispness to the fruit.
The unripe star fruits are less juicy and sourer. They’re only enjoyed when they ripe fully. People generally enjoy them fresh and raw.
Because of their slight sourness, they go really well in fruit salads. Most people love adding them to their yogurt and mixed fruit bowl.
Read also: Is Plantain A Fruit Or A Vegetable ?
Are star fruit skins edible?
Yes! You don’t have to peel the star fruit before eating it. All you need to do is just pick a fresh and ripe fruit, wash it, and enjoy it directly. In fact, its seeds are edible too.
Is it ok to eat an unripe star fruit?
The taste of star fruits goes from sour to sweet as they are ripe. Just like mango, apple, or papaya, you can eat them in their immature state.
At the unripe stage, they’re less juicy, crisp, and sour. So, if you enjoy this kind of flavor and texture, you can definitely get the unripe star fruits.
The best part about unripe carambolas is, they get along with bold flavors very nicely. You can add them to your vegetable salads or use them in your salsas.
Are there any varieties of star fruits?
Yes, they do have varieties. Some star fruits are generally sourer than others, even when they are completely ripe.
They are generally yellow in color. In fact, most people classify them as extremely sour star fruits. These are smaller in size and used in savory dishes like chicken casserole, seafood platter as a side dish or a garnish. They also taste great in salsas and are used for making jams and jellies.
Another variety of start fruits is more sweet and juicy, with just the right amount of tartness to them. They are generally bigger and have a beautiful floral flavor. Their amazing taste and texture go very well in juices, smoothies, desserts, jams, and even cocktails.
How to pick a good star fruit?
Pick the star fruits that look fresh and ripe. They should have a glossy and waxy skin without any holes or cracks.
If there are any bruises or small holes on a star fruit, pick another one. Also, it should give a little when pressed with your thumb. Just like an avocado or kiwi.
Moreover, to check its ripeness, smell it. If it has a sweet floral smell, pick it immediately. However, if you prefer the sour variety, then go for the smaller green fruits.
How to store starfruits?
Storing star fruits is not rocket science but you need to know a few things. They do well in the refrigerator for up to 6-7 days in a plastic bag.
If you leave them outside the fridge, they will only last for up to 4-5 days. You can even freeze them after slicing. They will stay good for up to 1 year.
Keep in mind that start fruits are a little fragile, so you will have to turn them every 12 hours or so. They bruise easily if they’re left under their own weight.
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What are the best ways to use star fruits?
Below are some of our favorite ways to use and enjoy the delicious star fruits :
1.Eat fresh star fruits
The first and the best way to enjoy this amazing fruit is by eating it fresh and raw, just like you eat apple and pears.
All you need to do is slice a clean star fruit and sprinkle some salt and red chilly powder on the top.
Of course you can just eat it as is, to enjoy its full flavor. Maybe pair it with a very sweet and creamy fruit like banana to get a nice contrast.
2. Use star fruits in savory dishes
Specifically, the unripe and sour star fruits add a freshness and a subtle tangy flavor to the cooked savory dishes.
You can use them as a garnish or as a side-dish with heavy meat dishes.
Also, you can use them for making stews, stirfries, and even cold soups.
3. Use star fruits in desserts or drinks
Because of their subtle acidity, they go really well with cocktails and mocktails. They give a very fresh and tropical flavor to the drinks. Some people also love juicing them with other citrus fruits.
You can also use them for topping your cheesecakes, tarts, smoothie bowls, fruit salads, etc. The sweet star fruits make delicious sorbet and ice-creams.
Another great way to use star fruits is to make a sweet and tangy compote to top your pancakes and waffles. Just heat them with some sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice and cook until the mixture thickens.
Star fruits or carambolas are amazingly delicious fruits that taste like a mix of apple, pear, plum and pineapple.
You can either eat them fresh or add them to your cooked and uncooked dishes to enhance their flavors. The best ways to enjoy these delicious starfruits are adding them to the smoothies, juices, salads, and ice-creams.
