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Starfruit Or Carambola
What is the Starfruit Or Carambola ?
You may not be familiar with its name, but you are probably familiar with the carambola. This golden fruit is commonly used to garnish our foods when sliced into star-shaped pieces. Consumers enjoy its sweet and tangy flavor, but the presence of a neurotoxic makes it a fruit to be taken in moderation!
Let's learn more about the carambola tree's fruit.
Starfruit is a Malaysian native, although it may also be found in Brazil, Israel, the United States, and Thailand. It's widely available in our marketplaces, however the cost varies based on the country of origin.
The star fruit is produced by the Averrhoa carambola tree, which belongs to the Oxalidaceae family.
The carambola tree is native to Asia and flourishes in tropical climates. Because it is not hardy in our climate, we may grow it inside.
It may grow to be 5 to 10 meters tall. It has alternating leaves with 9 to 11 pointed leaflets. Throughout the year, the star fruit tree blooms and produces fruit, however there are two primary production periods. The blooms are tiny and clustered, with 5 petals that are crimson or pink in hue.
The star fruit, also known as the carambola, has a yellow waxy coating and an unusual form. The 5-pointed star-shaped part of the carambola has inspired its name in numerous places, including England and Japan, where it literally means “star-shaped fruit.”
Note that star fruit is available all year on the market kiosks. The star fruit that we consume in France originates mostly from Israel, America, and Asia. It can be kept at room temperature to complete the maturation process.
Even if the fruit of the carambola is edible, a certain amount of it is hazardous. In persons with renal failure, starfruit contains a neurotoxic that is not filtered by the kidneys.
It's good to realize that a variety of symptoms, such as sleeplessness, vomiting, and disorientation, might signal intoxication. Hemofiltration can be used to treat intoxication cases.
Although the neurotoxic appears to be filtered properly in healthy persons, it is nonetheless recommended that carambola be consumed in small amounts, such as one fruit every 2-2 days. You have nothing to fear if you eat one of these lovely five-pointed stars that have found their way into the dish's adornment!
What Are The Nutritional and caloric values of Starfruit Or Carambola ?
Starfruit is an exotic fruit with projecting golden edges that is more well-known for its appearance than for its nutritional value. It does, however, deserve a prominent position in the menus due to its wealth of features.
The carambola is completely devoured. There is no need to remove the skin, which is a positive considering the fruit's intricate structure, which would make peeling it quite uncomfortable! It is, nevertheless, critical to thoroughly clean the fruit, including all of its nooks and crevices.
To be consumed, the fruit must be quite ripe, and hence exceedingly yellow, even with streaks of brown. Its sweet and tangy flavor, as well as its form, may differ somewhat from one type to the next.
Carambola is particularly well-liked as an edible garnish for a variety of foods and sweets. It's also used in fruit salads with oranges, mangoes, pineapple, and bananas, as well as juice, jam, and sauces.
It's worth noting that it's a good source of vitamin A. It also contains a lot of citric and oxalic acids.
Nutritional and caloric values of Starfruit Or Carambola
For 100 g of Starfruit Or Carambola :
Nutrients | Average content |
Energy | 27.3 kcal |
Water | 91.4 g |
Protein | 1.15 g |
Carbohydrates | 3.9 g |
Lipids | 0.32 g |
Dietary fiber | 2.8 g |
Calcium | 3 mg |
Copper | 0.14 mg |
Iron | 0.08 mg |
Iodine | 0.4 µg |
Magnesium | 10 mg |
Manganese | 0.037 mg |
Phosphorus | 12 mg |
Potassium | 133 mg |
Sodium | 2 mg |
Zinc | 0.12 mg |
Retinol | 0 µg |
Beta carotene | 25 µg |
Vitamin D | 0 µg |
Vitamin E | 0.15 mg |
Vitamin K1 | 0 µg |
Vitamin C | 34.4 mg |
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine | 0.014 mg |
Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin | 0.016 mg |
Vitamin B3 or PP or Niacin | 0.37 mg |
Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid | 0.39 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.017 mg |
Vitamin B9 or Total Folate | 12 µg |
Vitamin B12 | 0 µg |
Why should you eat Starfruit Or Carambola ?
This fruit is low in calories, with only 27.3 calories per 100 grams. It has a high vitamin C content and is well-balanced in minerals and trace elements.
The advantages of starfruit are numerous and unexpected.
** Antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties
The presence of anti-oxidant vitamins in star fruit will reduce cellular aging, assisting in the maintenance of healthy skin and organ health.
The starfruit has antioxidant capabilities due to the large amount of vitamin C it contains. It will also combat weariness and aid in the strengthening of the body's natural defenses, promoting excellent health.
** Relaxant for the muscles
Star fruit contains magnesium, which helps to relax muscles and combat cramps and pains.
** Potassium and phosphorus source
Potassium will assist the body's muscles, especially the heart, in contracting appropriately. It is a necessary component for maintaining excellent cardiovascular health.
The presence of a sufficient quantity of phosphorus in the body strengthens the bones and aids the appropriate functioning of nerve cells.
** Beta-carotene-rich
The level of beta-carotenes in star fruit ensures optimum retinal health and the preservation of healthy eyesight.
** A sufficient supply of vitamin B5
This anti-infective vitamin will aid in the maintenance of healthy hair and skin cells.
How can you choose the finest Starfruit Or Carambola and properly store it?
Fill up on energy with star fruit; it is a nutritional goldmine, high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, magnesium, and other nutrients.
People with renal failure should avoid eating star fruit because it contains a neurotoxic that the damaged kidney cannot filter. Even if you do not have renal failure, you should take star fruit in moderation to avoid overloading the kidney.
Starfruit is available in markets all year round, with no seasonality. A star fruit weighs around 125 g and has an oval form.
The flavor of star fruit
The flavor is sweet and tart, comparable to that of rhubarb. The tastes are a little sweet and a little tart.
Carambola purchase
It should be bright yellow, firm, and free of blemishes.
Keep the carambola in a cool, dry place.
The star fruit may be stored in the refrigerator's crisper for up to a week. It will keep for 3 to 4 days at room temperature.
How to prepare Starfruit Or Carambola ?
It may be eaten fresh, but you can also create jam, sorbet, or compote with it.
There is no need to peel the skin because it gets digested. Simply cut the starfruit crosswise to make gorgeous stars to garnish your dishes.
Starfruit pairs well with chicken and seafood, as well as cheese and yogurt.
Star fruit: beware of its toxicity
This acidic Asian fruit, which comes from the carambola tree, is becoming increasingly democratic in Europe. Carambola is dangerous in excessive amounts and should not be eaten on a daily basis.
The star fruit, an exotic fruit, is available on our stores throughout the winter, which is the best time to consume it and enhance the immune system. It has a lovely star form when cut, which we like to use as a garnish on desserts or to eat in juice, jam, or even salad. When fully mature, the carambola's attractive crimson hue might entice foodies. It is true that the promise of a flesh that is both sweet and sour will not disappoint. However, be wary of looks since they may be deceiving.
The high toxicity of the fruit and its juice has been established in several studies, making it a fruit to be ingested in moderation. Starfruit has a high nephrotoxic potential. It has been shown to enhance the chance of symptoms worsening in those with renal failure or dialysis users. It's because of a neurotoxic linked to the oxalic acid it contains. When the renal barrier is breached, the brain is affected, resulting in severe encephalopathy.
Even if a person is healthy and has no known renal problems, it is best to ingest carambola in small amounts, such as one fruit every three days. So don't be concerned. You are not at danger if you eat the star fruit that is used to garnish a cake or fruit salad.