Healthy exoticism The star fruit

If you see stars in your sparkling wine, that could be the carambola. The fruits are star-shaped in cross-section, which is why they are also called star fruit. The tropical plant with its five-pointed fruits provides visual highlights in sparkling drinks, in a cocktail or in a smoothie. In a fruit salad with mango and melon or a green salad, the star fruit is also an eye-catcher. It is an edible decoration for desserts and spicy fish and seafood dishes. In Asia, the "stars" are often served as a refreshing finger food.
The carambola has a sweet and sourish flavor reminiscent of a gooseberry, quince and apple blend. The fruit is rich in minerals such as potassium, provitamin A and vitamin C. In 100 g of pulp are about 35 mg of vitamin C contained. This covers about a third of the adult's daily needs and strengthens the body's defenses, especially in winter. In addition, the exotic fruit is extremely low in calories due to the high water content of 24 kcal per 100g. Patients with kidney disease should avoid the star fruit, as certain substances are not excreted. They accumulate in the body and can lead to poisoning.

Very many vitamins: The star fruit. Picture: womue - fotolia

The home of the carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is probably located in Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia. The evergreen tree grows up to 12 meters high and needs a tropical climate. The exotic fruit is available throughout the year in the trade and is mainly imported from Malaysia to Germany.

If you prefer to purchase ripe yellow to amber fruits, which emit a jasmine-like fragrance. Green carambola do not ripen and are more or less sour. The fruits are sensitive to pressure and must therefore be transported carefully. At room temperature, the carambola lasts for three to four days, in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator about a week. Thoroughly wash the starfruit before eating, remove the ends and slice across. The shell and the few seeds are edible. (Heike Kreutz, aid)