Strafruits are native to Asia, especially Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and is widely grown in Malaysia. Traditionally, Starfruit is harvested during the months of June, July and August. Starfruits are now also grown in such places as Florida, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

A fresh starfruit is a fairly bright yellow color yet there may be some tinges of green showing. It is normal for the ridges of the starfruit to have a slight brown color to them. Ultimately, the fruit itself should be firm.

If the starfruit is 100% yellow with lots of brown spots on it then it is no longer fresh.

Carambola (Starfruit) is high in oxalic acid.

Since carambola is high in oxalic acid it should be avoided by those who suffer from or are at risk for kidney stones, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated. Read my notes on oxalic acid for more information.

Since carambola is high in oxalic acid, you should also avoid combining carambola with other fruits that are high in calcium. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound. You should also avoid eating calcium rich food immediately after eating or juicing carambola or any food high in oxalic acid. This includes foods like tofu.

It's possible to buy unripe starfruit and then let it ripen in your home. Unripe starfruit is green and will usually ripen in a few days.

Properties:

Energy: cold
5 Elements: wood,earth
5 Flavors: sour,sweet

General Information:

Nothing to report.

Cautions & Suggestions:

Nothing to report.

Benefits:

Photo by Scott Bauer.