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CARAMBOLA

Carambola
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The unique star shape of carambola makes its slices a beautiful garnish for cakes, fruit and vegetable trays, and entrées.

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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.”

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Varieties

So far is known, there is just one variety of carambola.

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Buying and storing tips

Look for shiny yellow carambolas that are without bruises and are not too soft. Carambolas with a little green color on the ridges may be ripened at home. Ripe carambola should be used as soon as possible. If it’s not going to be used immediately, tightly wrap ripe carambola in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.

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Availability

Carambola is available year-round in well-stocked supermarkets and specialty groceries.

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Preparation, uses, and tips

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.

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Nutritional Highlights

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.

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Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for fruit
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other fruit. Read about health benefits and concerns for fruit for a full description.

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