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The unique star shape of carambola makes its slices a beautiful garnish for cakes, fruit and vegetable trays, and entrées.
Believed to have originated in Malaysia, the carambola is a translucent green or pale yellow fruit, about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.5cm) long, that ripens to a golden yellow. It has four to six strongly pointed ridges that run from top to bottom, and when the fruit is cut crosswise each slice is shaped like a star, hence its nickname, “star fruit.”
Carambola is available year-round in well-stocked supermarkets and specialty groceries.
Carambolas do not need to be peeled. Unripe carambolas can be prepared as a vegetable, usually in stir-fry dishes. Ripe carambolas can be puréed into sorbets or puddings, or added to salads. When sliced, their unique star shape adds a beautiful garnish to cakes, cocktails, fruit and vegetable trays, and entrées. Dried carambola makes a delicious snack.
Carambola, 1 cup (137g) (cubes, raw)
Calories: 45
Protein: 0.74g
Carbohydrate: 10.7g
Total Fat: 0.48g
Fiber: 3.7g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (29mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.
Health benefits and concerns
for fruit
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other fruit.
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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2005.