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Tropical trees native to India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka which need total sun, high humidity, and at least 70 inches of annual rain produce a mild-tasting fruit(1) with a length of about 3-6 inches(2) and a star-shaped cross section. Star fruit trees are planted at least 20 feet apart, grow speedily, and produce fruit at an age of four to five years. Northern India grows them up to 4,000 feet in elevation. Malaysia is the biggest producer. Diseases and insects mean that the US doesn't import the whole fruits. Instead, the country gets its share from "Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, California, Texas, Arizona, Puerto Rico and Hawaii."(1) The whole fruit, waxy skin and all, is edible(2).
"Starfruit contains an extremely low number of calories but it is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins, as well as phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium." A high number of antioxidants are also present (especially in the peel). These and flavonoids are part of anti-inflammatory properties which are useful for skin disorders like psoriasis and dermatitis. Good numbers of sodium and potassium electrolytes are good for circulatory and blood pressure health. Insoluble dietary fiber is good for helping control blood pressure and cholesterol and the "fruit can help to optimize your metabolism by ensuring that necessary enzymatic and hormonal processes take place throughout the body." Other properties include supporting respiratory and hair health(2).
Note: star fruit does have very high amounts of oxalic acid, normally ok in moderate amounts with good kidney function. Allergies are uncommon but "may result in digestive upset, such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting." There are numbers of drug interactions(2).
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Carambola." Simple English Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 30 Apr 2017. Web 30 Mar 2020. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carambola.
2. Staughton, John. "11 Best Benefits Of Star Fruit (Carambola)." Organic Facts: Let's Get Healthy Together, Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. 29 January 2020. Web 30 March 2020. https://www.organicfacts.net/star-fruit-carambola.html.
"Starfruit contains an extremely low number of calories but it is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins, as well as phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium." A high number of antioxidants are also present (especially in the peel). These and flavonoids are part of anti-inflammatory properties which are useful for skin disorders like psoriasis and dermatitis. Good numbers of sodium and potassium electrolytes are good for circulatory and blood pressure health. Insoluble dietary fiber is good for helping control blood pressure and cholesterol and the "fruit can help to optimize your metabolism by ensuring that necessary enzymatic and hormonal processes take place throughout the body." Other properties include supporting respiratory and hair health(2).
Note: star fruit does have very high amounts of oxalic acid, normally ok in moderate amounts with good kidney function. Allergies are uncommon but "may result in digestive upset, such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting." There are numbers of drug interactions(2).
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Carambola." Simple English Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 30 Apr 2017. Web 30 Mar 2020. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carambola.
2. Staughton, John. "11 Best Benefits Of Star Fruit (Carambola)." Organic Facts: Let's Get Healthy Together, Organic Information Services Pvt Ltd. 29 January 2020. Web 30 March 2020. https://www.organicfacts.net/star-fruit-carambola.html.
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