Carambola

Aliases

Carambola, Star Fruit or Belimbing

Description

The carambola is 2 to 5 inches long and is pale to golden yellow in color. It has 5 prominent ribs that run the entire length of the fruit. It is native to Ceylon and has been cultivated in Asia since ancient times. It is high in vitamin C and also is a source of vitamin A and potassium.

Preparation and Serving

Wash first and if any ribs are blackened, remove with a knife. It is often sliced crosswise to bring out its star shape. It can be eaten raw or cooked.

Recipe Links

Toblerone Mousse Fondues with Meringues and Fruit

Chicken Carambola

Carambola Lobster Salad

Links

The National Food Safety Database -- also has various recipes -- Carambola Fruit Salad, Carambola Pie, Carambola Pickles, Carambola Juice, Chicken Salad with Carambola, and Carambola Bread.

California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc.

New Crop Resource Online Program

Lychee Woods, the rare tropical fruit tree source

Epicurious Dictionary

Melissa’s Mini Merchandiser

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Value per 100g Edible Portion

Carambola	Raw
Calories	35.7
Water	91%
Carbohydrates	7.8 g
Protein	0.38 g
Fat	0.08 g
Fiber	0.80-0.90 g
Calcium	4.4-6.0 mg
Iron	0.32-1.65 mg
Magnesium	9 mg
Phosphorous	15.5-21.0 mg
Potassium	163 mg
Sodium	2 mg
Zinc	0.110 mg
Copper	0.120 mg
Manganese	0.082 mg
Beta Carotene (A)	0.003-0.552 mg
Thiamine (B1)	0.030-0.038 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.019-0.030 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.294-0.380 mg
Ascorbic Acid (C)	26-53 mg