Culinary Skills - Fruits - exotics- carambola

Exotic Fruits:

Carambolas (Averrhoa carambola L. Oxalidaceae )

State or Country of Origin

Native to the Malay Archipelago, most sold in the United States comes from Florida

Peak Season:

Available September through February.

Carambolas are also called "starfruit" because when cut crosswise they resemble stars.

Handling Tips and General Information:

Carambolas are oval in shape, with four to six prominent longitudinal ribs. The outer skin is waxy yellow, and the yellow flesh resembles a ripe apple in texture, with a clean citrus like finish. There are two types of Carambola that are found in the market, one that comes from root stock, and another grown from seed. The flavor of the Carambola is sweet-tart to sour.

Here are some good "star fruit" web links:

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/carambola.html

http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198500347.html

http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/images/ave_car.jpg