Star Fruit Nutrition

Tap to Read ➤ Priya Johnson

Star fruits are yellow to green colored fruits that have a slightly tangy and sweet flavor to them. These fruits may be eaten as they are or may be added to salads, desserts, etc.

The star fruit or carambola is the fruit of the Averrhoa carambola plant that is native to regions of the world like India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

This fruit is typically grown in regions like Hawaii, Caribbean, Central America, and other parts of South America and Asia. Today, these star fruits are being commercially cultivated in Florida and are quite popular as garnish.

This fruit appears like a five-pointed star in cross-section, which is how it gets its name. The ovoid fruit ranges in size from three to six inches long and has five lobes enveloped in an edible waxy, yellow skin that encompasses sour to slightly sweet, yellow flesh, and some dark seeds in the center.

Nutritional Value of Star Fruit

The reason why people relish this juicy fruit is because they want to tap most of the nutrients from the fruit. Given ahead is the nutritional value present in one cup of raw star fruit.

Protein - 1.37 g Carbohydrates - 10 g Vitamin C - 45.4 mg Vitamin A - 81 IU Vitamin B6 - 0.022 mg Potassium - 176 mg Calcium - 4 mg Sodium - 3 mg Zinc - 0.16 mg Pantothenic acid - 0.516 mg Iron - 0.11 mg Copper - 0.181 mg Sugars - 7 g Dietary fiber - 3.7 g Folate - 16 mcg Calories - 41

Star Fruit Health Benefits

As mentioned in the list, its rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Vitamin C helps increase body's immunity and also destroys harmful free radicals that are formed as a result of metabolism.

These free radicals can destroy cell membranes, and since vitamin C has antioxidant properties it destroys the free radicals, thereby preventing cancers, etc. The dietary fiber in the fruit adds bulk to the fecal matter and prevents constipation. In nursing mothers, eating this fruit is seen to increase milk production.

Since one cup of star fruit only contains about 40 calories, this fruit is great for weight watchers. Potassium in the fruit helps prevent muscle cramps, while calcium strengthens bones and teeth. What's even better is that this fruit is low in sodium, cholesterol, and fat.

How to Prepare and Serve Star Fruit?

The fruit can be eaten by itself or can be thrown into salads and consumed.

Step 1: The first step is to choose a ripe, bright yellow fruit with a light shade of green. The five ridges of the fruit would have turned brown, but it's absolutely fine. Touch the fruit and if it's firm to touch, it is perfect to eat.

Step 2 : Wash the fruit thoroughly under running tap water and hold it vertically on the chopping board. Take the knife and slowly cut the outer edges of the fruit ridges. Do this for all the five ridges.

Step 3 : Place the fruit in the horizontal position and cut off the peak belonging to the flatter end with a dark spot. Slice the rest of the fruit into thin slices, such that you have star-shaped pieces of the fruit.

Step 4 : As you slice the pieces of the fruit, you will find dark brown seeds embedded in them. Take them out with your knife and discard. The star-shaped pieces make really great salads and dessert decorations.

Star fruit is great, however, people on dialysis treatment should refrain from consuming this fruit. Oxalic acid present in the fruit is seen to trigger conditions like vomiting, muscle twitching, hyperkalemia, impaired consciousness, etc., in such patients. Overall, star fruit is a flavorful and nutritious fruit.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.