Monday, December 26, 2005
Star fruit: great taste, looks to kill and a cinch to prepare, this fruit really is a star
Looking for something sweet, juicy and different in the fruit department? Star fruit--or carambola as it's also known--is just the ticket. This tropical treat has been cultivated for hundreds of years throughout Southeast Asia. Now flourishing in the warm climates of Florida and Hawaii, it's enjoying a growing audience in even the United States' not-so-balmy locales.
The golden yellow fruit gets its name from the perfect five-pointed star shape that appears when it's cut crosswise. The edible skin is shiny, thin and waxy to the touch. Choose one that is firm, golden yellow and emits a fragrant aroma.
There are two main types of star fruit: sweet (think orange meets pineapple) and tart (think lemon). Tart varieties have thinner ribs and may be a paler shade of yellow. (The two can be hard to tell apart, so ask your grocer just to be sure,) You may also find some less common white varieties that are sweet.
Even though this fruit is exotic, that doesn't mean it's complicated lust wash, cut and eat. And when it comes to cooking, star fruit is surprisingly versatile. Slice and saute it as an easy side dish, or add star fruit to a standard stir-fry. While tart varieties work best for cooking, the sweeter ones are great mixed into fruit salads or used in preserves or desserts. Finally, the fruit's unique shape makes it a ready-made garnish. So put down the pastry bag, and throw a slice or two of star fruit on top of that cake. This star of the produce department is a wish come true.
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 cup, cubed (137g)
Calories: 45
Fat Calories: less than 1g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3.4g
AKA: Carambola, Chinese star fruit and five-angled fruit
Availability: Late fall to early winter
Bonus: Vitamin C (29mg and 40% RDA)
What You Won't Miss: Sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat
Storage: Place any green-tinged fruit in a paper bag at room temperature until ripened; once golden, star fruit will keep up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
COPYRIGHT 2005 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved.COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
Looking for something sweet, juicy and different in the fruit department? Star fruit--or carambola as it's also known--is just the ticket. This tropical treat has been cultivated for hundreds of years throughout Southeast Asia. Now flourishing in the warm climates of Florida and Hawaii, it's enjoying a growing audience in even the United States' not-so-balmy locales.
The golden yellow fruit gets its name from the perfect five-pointed star shape that appears when it's cut crosswise. The edible skin is shiny, thin and waxy to the touch. Choose one that is firm, golden yellow and emits a fragrant aroma.
There are two main types of star fruit: sweet (think orange meets pineapple) and tart (think lemon). Tart varieties have thinner ribs and may be a paler shade of yellow. (The two can be hard to tell apart, so ask your grocer just to be sure,) You may also find some less common white varieties that are sweet.
Even though this fruit is exotic, that doesn't mean it's complicated lust wash, cut and eat. And when it comes to cooking, star fruit is surprisingly versatile. Slice and saute it as an easy side dish, or add star fruit to a standard stir-fry. While tart varieties work best for cooking, the sweeter ones are great mixed into fruit salads or used in preserves or desserts. Finally, the fruit's unique shape makes it a ready-made garnish. So put down the pastry bag, and throw a slice or two of star fruit on top of that cake. This star of the produce department is a wish come true.
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 cup, cubed (137g)
Calories: 45
Fat Calories: less than 1g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 3.4g
AKA: Carambola, Chinese star fruit and five-angled fruit
Availability: Late fall to early winter
Bonus: Vitamin C (29mg and 40% RDA)
What You Won't Miss: Sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat
Storage: Place any green-tinged fruit in a paper bag at room temperature until ripened; once golden, star fruit will keep up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
COPYRIGHT 2005 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved.COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
# posted by Unknown @ 7:25 PM 
