Waxy, star-shaped tropical fruit with thin, edible skin. Sweet varieties (5-6 inches long) are sweet, crisp, and juicy. One medium carambola provides 52% DV vitamin C, 4% DV potassium, and is extremely low in calories (28 cal). Contains polyphenols including epicatechin, gallic acid, and quercetin. Very low glycemic index — appropriate for blood sugar management.
Available at Caribbean, Latin, and Asian markets. Whole Foods carries occasionally. Florida-grown available in grocery stores in the Southeast.
The primary value of carambola is the vitamin C at 52% DV per fruit alongside an extremely low caloric content (28 calories) — making it one of the most vitamin C-efficient fruits by calorie. For blood sugar management, the very low glycemic index and low sugar content make starfruit one of the few tropical fruits appropriate for diabetics (in contrast to high-sugar mangoes, bananas, and pineapple). The polyphenol profile (gallic acid, quercetin, epicatechin) provides antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Slice crosswise to reveal the star shape. Eat raw as a snack or garnish. In fruit salads. Juice. In Caribbean chutneys.
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