How to eat carambola (starfruit), do you need to peel it?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Carambola is a tropical fruit, scientifically known as *Averrhoa carambola*, characterized by its distinct angular shape and star-like cross-section, which is why it is also called starfruit. The skin is greenish when unripe and turns yellow when mature. The flesh is translucent, with a sweet-tart flavor, abundant juice, and contains vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. It can be eaten raw, juiced, processed into preserves, and is often used as a decorative element in fruit platters.
In general, starfruit does not need to be peeled. Starfruit can be eaten directly, made into beverages, used in cold salads, incorporated into main dishes, or used in desserts. Details are as follows:
1. Eat directly: After washing, you may remove the stiff edges according to personal preference, slice it crosswise into thin slices, forming a star shape. A small amount of salt or plum powder can be sprinkled to enhance flavor, or it can be dipped in honey to increase sweetness.
2. Make into beverages: Squeeze and strain starfruit juice, then add cold-brewed green tea, honey, and ice cubes. Garnish the glass with a slice of starfruit. Mix starfruit juice with soda water and add lemon slices and mint for a refreshing, palate-cleansing drink.
3. Cold salad: Slice the starfruit and combine with brightly colored fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwifruit. Drizzle with yogurt or lemon-honey dressing. Add chopped nuts or mint leaves to enhance texture and flavor layers.
4. Starfruit in dishes: Blanch shrimp and quickly stir-fry with starfruit slices and colorful bell peppers, season with a little fish sauce or lemon juice to make stir-fried shrimp with starfruit. When stewing pork ribs, add starfruit slices to the broth, which becomes sweet and fragrant with fruity aroma—this dish is called stewed pork ribs with starfruit.
5. Starfruit desserts: Soak starfruit slices in salt water to remove bitterness, then simmer with rock sugar syrup and dry to make candied fruit. Combine starfruit juice with agar and refrigerate to form a clear jelly containing star-shaped fruit pieces. Alternatively, dry at low temperature to make crispy chips as a healthy snack.
Generally, starfruit does not require peeling. When ripe, the skin becomes soft and does not affect the texture when eaten directly, and it contains dietary fiber and some nutrients. However, if not peeled, it is important to thoroughly wash the surface to remove pesticide residues and avoid potential harm to health. Although starfruit is nutritious, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients with impaired kidney function should avoid consuming starfruit to prevent complications caused by oxalate metabolism issues. Additionally, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid placing excessive strain on the body.
