7 Tips On How To Eat Star Fruit
7'' Chef's Knife | Shogun Series | Dalstrong ©
There are very few fruits that are as visually striking as this sweet-tart tropical fruit that cuts into perfect star-shaped slices. Read on to know more about the Star Fruit and explore some of its uses and benefits in detail.
Quick Overview: How to Eat Star Fruit?
- Step 1: Set up the cutting station
- Step 2: Pick a ripe Star Fruit
- Step 3: Cut off the dark tip along the ridge
- Step 4: Cut off the stem end of the fruit
- Step 5: Slice the Star Fruit
- Step 6: Remove the Seeds
- Step 7: Plate and Serve
7'' Chef's Knife | Gladiator Series | Dalstrong ©
Do you also get bored of eating the same fruits and vegetables every day? Are you also tired of the same apples, oranges, bananas, and berries and are looking for a new, more interesting fruit to munch on? Luckily, there are tons of unusual fruits available in the market that will not only get you excited about eating fruits but will also make great ingredients in your daily meals.
One such unusual fruit that is getting increasingly popular all over the world is Star Fruit, nature’s starry-eyed wonder.
1. What is a Star Fruit?
Star Fruit, also known as Carambola is a part of the citrus family. This tropical fruit gets its name from the fact that when it’s cut at a cross-section, its pieces resemble cute little stars. Star Fruits taste sweet and juicy and has a firm grape-like texture with a note of tartness.
The star fruit is mainly grown in Thailand and throughout South East Asia, Australia, and South America. The star fruit is yellow or green and it normally comes in two types:
- Sour- These are small in size and have a sour taste to them.
- Sweet- This variety is larger and is much sweeter than its small counterparts.
The skin of this fruit is also edible. It has a mild, sour flavor that makes it a popular ingredient in several dishes. This sweet, sour, and juicy fruit go well with smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, popsicles, and often even with savory dishes like chicken. Because of the naturally decorative shape of the fruit, it is also often used as a garnish for drinks and other dishes.
I have shared one of my favorite Star Fruit Salad recipes but before we get that, let’s take a look at how to pick and cut a star fruit the right way.
2. Picking The Right Star Fruit
The best way (or one that works for me at least) to pick star fruit is to find one with the least amount of green on the edges and the richest orange. This could mean there are some brown edges visible but if they are small, it indicates that the fruit is at its optimum ripeness.
When ripe, the fruit appears mainly bright yellow with tinges of light green. Even if they have a few brown edges, it wouldn't matter as long as the flesh inside is firm to touch. You can also buy a star fruit when it’s green and wait for it to ripen. All you have to do is leave it on the kitchen counter for a few days. When over-ripe, the fruit will start turning yellow and brown spots will begin to appear all over.
3. How to Cut Star Fruit?
Trust me, while a star fruit can look intimidating to those that are new to it, slicing up this cute little thing is no rocket science.
Follow these super-simple steps to get the perfect slices of this juicy fruit:
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Detailed Method: How to Cut Star Fruit? |
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Step 1: Set up the cutting station |
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Step 2: Pick a ripe Star Fruit |
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Step 3: Cut off the dark tip along the ridge |
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Step 4: Cut off the stem end of the fruit |
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Step 5: Slice the Star Fruit |
Note: If you are cooking with the star fruit, check the recipe you are following to determine how thick or thin the slices should be. |
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Step 6: Remove the Seeds |
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Step 7: Plate and Serve! |
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4. How to Make Star Fruit Salad?
There are many ways in which one can add star fruit to their diet. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this fruit is by tossing it up in a salad.
Here is a recipe for one of my most loved, very simple, and super quick star fruit salads.
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Ingredients |
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Star Fruit |
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Ingredients |
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Method |
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Step 1: Whisk it Up |
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Step 2: Toss it Up |
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Step 3: Let it Drizzle |
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Step 4: Plate and Serve! |
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5. Health Benefits of Star Fruit
While this fruit is lots of fun to work with and eat, it is also loaded with elements that are very beneficial to your health.
- It is a great source of antioxidants like Beta-carotene and Vitamin C.
- The high amount of Fiber in star fruit can help the blood absorb glucose slowly and balance sugar levels. It also has cholesterol-lowering effects.
- The leaves, fruit, and roots or star fruit contain a compound called saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Simply put, these are antioxidants that have healing properties.
6. Best Knives to Cut Star Fruit
1. Bird’s Beak Tourne Paring Knife 2.75”- Gladiator Series
This knife might look small but is a master of intricate cuts. With a razor-sharp blade that resembles a beak of a bird, this blade is exceptional at fluting mushrooms, slicing up decorative fruits like star fruit, and prepping small, spherical fruits and vegetables. A new chef or a seasoned one, this knife is an essential tool in any cook’s drawer.
Pros:
- This blade is also amazing at peeling potatoes, apples, star fruits, and all manner of modest-sized fruits and vegetables.
- The high carbon German steel is wear-resistant, which makes this knife very durable and long-lasting.
- This paring knife is very low maintenance as it cleans easily and can be stored easily even in a compact kitchen space.
Cons:
- The unique shape of the blade of this knife makes it slightly difficult to sharpen. However, this blade provides excellent edge retention, ensuring the edge stay sharp for longer.
- If you are just getting started with your culinary journey, you might find this knife slightly hard to use as it is too small to work with. In that case, you can get started with a simpler blade like a chef’s knife.
2. Bird’s Beak Paring Knife Peeler 3”- Crusader Series
This beautifully designed, all-steel knife is a great blade to peel and slice delicate and tricky fruits like star fruit. The solid steel design provides incredible toughness and resilience which makes this an amazing tool to have around in your kitchen.
Pros:
- The groove along with the knife reduces friction and minimized food stuck on while also making the knife very light to hold and maneuver around.
- The deep-freeze nitrogen cooling increases the blade’s hardness and flexibility, making it the perfect tool to peel and slice a five-point star fruit.
- The spine of the knife is designed in a way to provide the user maximum grip and support.
Cons:
- You will require some prior practice and skill to be able to use and maneuver a bird’s beak paring knife.
- For some people, an all-steel handle might not work as it could get slippery on use. In that case, you can check out some of the other paring knives Dalstrong has to offer.
3. Paring Knife 4”- Delta Wolf Series
A beauty to look at and a pro to work with, this blade is designed to assist you in kitchen tasks that require precision, detailing, and gentleness. This knife will prove to be a reliable recruit to your squad, strong and sharp enough to take on any tricky fruit or vegetable you place in front of it.
Pros:
- This knife looks super stylish and stunning to hold. It is sure to be the head-turner in your kitchen.
- The light blade allows the chef to finish his chopping, peeling, and carving tasks with great speed.
- This high carbon stainless steel blade is razor-sharp and can produce clean slices of fruits and vegetables, with minimal flesh damage.
Cons:
- This knife is pricey for some, but if you plan on investing in a knife to work tirelessly by your side, it is definitely worth the investment.
- The bold design of this knife might not fit everyone’s palette, similar to star fruits taste. In that case, you can take a look at some of the other sleek designs Dalstrong has to offer.
4. Nakiri Vegetable Knife 6”- Phantom Series
The Nakiri is a favorite among Asian knives for its proficiency and is an important tool for any chef who works with lots of fruits and vegetables daily. This knife is an elegant, agile and ruthless culinary tool that will provide exceptional performance and make chopping tasks a breeze.
Pros:
- The unique rock-hollow divots minimize food stuck on food and reduce friction, resulting in perfect slices of fruits and veggies.
- The wide blade assists in scooping up the food and transferring it onto a plate.
- The ice-tempered blade ensures excellent resilience and amazing edge retention, making sure the knife lasts you a lifetime.
Cons:
- This knife cannot be used for tougher cuts or big vegetables and fruits, so if you plan on getting a knife to cut all three like a pro, you can take a look at our range of chef’s knives
- The rounded tip of the blade does not make this a good fit for delicates kitchen tasks like carving fruits, veggies or even pies.
5. Nakiri Vegetable Knife 7”- Shadow Black Series
The menacing kitchen tool will slice through fruits and vegetables like butter. Not only is this knife very comfortable to work with, but the stunning design and beautiful detailing of this knife are sure to take your breath away.
Pros:
- The non-reflective coating of the blade enhances robustness, making the knife corrosion resistant and highly durable.
- The handle’s uniquely designed to tuck snuggle into your palm, giving you a good grip of the blade while you complete your chopping, slicing, and dicing tasks.
- While this looks super fancy, this knife cleans easily and is very easy to maintain.
Cons:
- This knife is slightly pricier than the other 7” Nakiri knives.
- If you are new to the kitchen, a 7” blade can get slightly intimidating. If that is the case, you can check out the 6.5” Nakiri knife or 6” Nakiri knife.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat raw star fruit?
Yes, you can eat star fruit raw. The skin is edible and the flesh has a mild, sour flavor that makes it popular in several dishes.
Do you peel star fruit before eating?
The entire star fruit is edible so you do not need to peel it or deseed it before eating. All you have to do is wash the fruit well, slice it up and enjoy.
How do you eat star fruit do you eat the skin?
Star fruit skin is edible. You do not need to peel the fruit before eating it. Simply wash it thoroughly, slice it up, sprinkle it with some salt and chili powder and enjoy.
What are the side effects of star fruit?
Some side effects of consuming too much of this fruit are kidney stones, an upset stomach, complications in kidney conditions, neurological complications and can interact negatively with other medication.
Do you eat the skin of star fruit?
Yes, you can eat the skin of star fruit, also known as carambola. When slicing starfruit, wash the fruit and cut it into crosswise slices. The slightly browned edges can be trimmed with a knife to remove any bitterness. The skin is edible and adds a contrasting texture to the crisp, juicy flesh. Choose ripe starfruit with vibrant color and firmness for the best eating experience.
How do you cut and peel starfruit?
To cut and peel starfruit, wash it thoroughly. Slice the ends, then use a sharp knife to cut crosswise slices. The star-shaped slices can be eaten as they are, skin included, as it's safe to consume. Alternatively, you can trim the edges of each slice to remove the thin ridges of the skin. This makes the entire starfruit ready to cut and eat.
Does star fruit brown when cut?
Yes, star fruit can brown slightly when cut due to its natural enzymes reacting with the air. To minimize browning, you can sprinkle the slices with lemon juice or other acidic liquids. Additionally, choosing ripe star fruit with vibrant color and firmness helps prevent excessive browning. While slight browning is normal, it doesn't affect the taste or safety of the fruit.
How do you know when starfruit is done?
Starfruit is ripe and ready to eat when it's a bright yellow or slightly greenish-yellow color and feels firm to the touch. The ridges on the edges of the starfruit should be smooth, and the fruit should have a glossy appearance. Avoid overripe starfruit, which can be too soft or have brown spots. Ripe starfruit has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
Do you peel star fruit before eating?
No, you don't need to peel star fruit before eating. When the fruit is ripe, its skin is edible and safe to consume. Simply wash the star fruit, slice it crosswise, and the star-shaped slices are ready to eat. If the edges are slightly green, they can be trimmed, but in most cases, the skin is enjoyed along with the juicy flesh.
What part of star fruit to eat?
The entire star fruit is edible, so you can eat both the flesh and the skin. Wash the fruit, slice it crosswise, and the star-shaped slices can be enjoyed as they are. If you prefer, you can trim the edges of each slice to remove the thin ridges of the skin. This makes the whole star fruit ready to cut and eat, whether raw or used in recipes like a mango smoothie.
How long does star fruit last after cutting?
After cutting, star fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To maintain freshness, wrap the cut pieces in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Keep in mind that cut star fruit may start to lose its texture and flavor over time, so it's best to consume it within a few days of cutting for the best quality.
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Written by Himani Vaid
Toronto-based food nerd turned food storyteller, Himani is a connoisseur of all things delish. Currently, busy thinking about what to eat next.
