How to Eat Star Fruit to Best Enjoy Its Unique Flavor and Shape

One of the most beguiling tropical fruits on the planet, the star fruit looks like an oblong oddball at first glance. It only reveals its namesake shape when cut the right way. Despite its somewhat intimidating appearance, there's no trick to eating star fruit—it comes down to relishing every inch of it (seeds aside), and embracing its panoply of unique flavors. We spoke to a chef and a produce professional to learn more about the epicurean pleasures of this fascinating fruit, and the best ways to enjoy it.

What Is Star Fruit?

Cultivated in tropical regions, including its native Southeast Asia, Australia, Israel, California, Florida, and Hawaii, this yellow-skinned beauty is the edible fruit of the carambola tree, a diminutive plant in the wood sorrel family that also lends star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) its alternate name, carambola. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, it can help promote gut health and is used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to combat everything from sore throats to skin issues.

Appearance

The star fruit boasts five prominent ridges (called "wings") that run lengthwise along its contours, transforming into a five-pointed star shape when sliced. Those protrusions, coupled with its thin golden skin, are not only uber-tactile, but waxy, and like the yellow flesh within, downright delicious.

Flavor

As it ripens, the star fruit's skin morphs from green to yellow or orange, while its sweet, tart, and tangy flavors ricochet to different corners of the fruit world, from orange and ripe pear to green grape and melon. Sezer Deniz, executive chef of Area 31, a global-inspired restaurant in Downtown Miami's Kimpton EPIC Hotel describes the taste as "citrusy pear."

The Skin

"There is no need to peel star fruit. The skin is tender and easy to eat and digest," says Alex Jackson, vice president of sales and procurement for Frieda's Branded Produce, a California-based wholesaler that markets and distributes unique fruits and vegetables. 

"The skin is crispy and juicy, and a bit sweeter than the flesh," says Deniz.

How to Eat Star Fruit

Star fruit can be enjoyed raw, cooked, candied, or juiced. It can be a palate cleanser, readying the taste buds for the meal ahead, a decoration lending eye appeal to dishes, or, ahem, the star attraction.

Raw Fresh Star Fruit

Both Jackson and Deniz agree that this fruit shines, skin and all, on its own. "What makes star fruit so enjoyable is its refreshing crispy-crunchy texture and juiciness, so raw is the best way to enjoy star fruit," says Jackson. "After rinsing, you can eat out of hand as a refreshing, juicy snack." Bite into it, just like an apple, or slice it crosswise to showcase its natural star shape.

When star fruit is sliced, its celestial pattern makes a head-turning garnish for drinks galore—and so much more. 

• Drinks: Deniz dunks the fruit into a refreshing white sangria, while Jackson uses it to perk up summer beverages from lemonade to iced tea to cocktails. (Feel free to experiment with your favorite pitcher quenchers).
• Salsa and ceviche: Star fruit's mild fruitiness pairs well with flavors that are typically a match for an apple, tomato, or celery, such as salsas and ceviche, says Jackson. (As with many tropical fruits, a hint of hot chile heat is also welcome.)
• Leafy or fruity salads: "I would recommend pairing starfruit with a nice seared tuna salad, for example, a Niçoise salad," says Deniz. In addition to being a cooling component of leafy greens, it's a standout in fruit salads. 
• Party platters: "We love adding star fruit to grazing boards for a pop of color, with its unique shape," says Jackson. Consider rounding it out with your favorite charcuterie, cheese selection, and crunchy crackers.
• Chocolate decadence: Why should strawberries and bananas have all the fun? Slices of star fruit can also be dipped into molten chocolate, says Jackson.

Cooked Star Fruit

While both Deniz and Jackson prefer to eat star fruit raw, they agree that this tropical wonder can make its mark in unexpected ways when cooked.

• With seafood: "I made cioppino with star fruit, which gave a very nice flavor to the dish," says Deniz, noting that seafood creations are a unique vehicle for star fruit. 
• Grilled: This unusual fruit also adds a novel touch to any cookout lineup. "Like most fruit, when grilled, the sweetness is highlighted due to the crystallization the fire provides," says Jackson.
  

Candied or Frozen

• Candied: Star fruit chunks can be candied in sugar syrup to preserve the fruit—and used to garnish desserts.
  
• Popsicles: Blended with ingredients like mint, honeydew, and sugar and poured into popsicle molds, star fruit shines as a frosty refresher.
• Relish: Diced and mixed into a cider vinegar-spiked relish is another way to serve star fruit with meats and cheese.