On this freezing cold day I am thinking back to when I was in Mauritius. Nice WARM memories.
Something which immediately came to mind was the star fruit. When I was young I heard about it, but not many shops (if at all) in South Africa stock this fruit. The first time I saw it in REAL LIFE was in Mauritius. That which I had was pretty sour, but apparently there are some nice sweet variants!?
A popular fruit of wealthy Europeans in the late 1700’s, Star Fruit or Carambola was introduced to America only 75 years ago. A native fruit of South-east Asia and India, Star Fruit became an established fruit in Hawaii by way of Chinese immigrant traders. Arriving in Florida, Star Fruit has since made the state the largest producer of all American-consumed Star Fruit. Named for the 5 pointed star shaped slices it yields, Star Fruit’s pale yellow, juicy flesh contains a few, small, flat seeds and a distinctly tropical flavour. The thin, edible, lime green skin ripens to a bright yellow, with a waxy sheen. Usually sliced fresh as an elegant addition to salads, buffet platters and desserts.
This is one of the most productive fruit trees. If you only know the sour fruit from backyard seedling trees, be sure to try the sweet grafted varieties! Fruit from grafted trees is one of the fastest growing new exports from Florida. Cross sections of the fruit make attractive yellow stars, giving rise to its alternate name of star fruit. Carambola has a thin skin and crisp, juicy, non-fibrous flesh. The fruit can be eaten fresh, juiced, canned or dried.
Such pretty fruit hey? Stunning for garnishing 
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3 comments ↓
I believe you just taught me something!
Glad to be of help
Isn’t it beautiful! I saw it in the grocery store but not knowing what to do with it, passed. I may have to pick it up next time and try it. Thanks!!
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