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When Is Star Fruit in Season? Seasons, Facts, & FAQ
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Few things are more enjoyable than a nice cold piece of fruit on a sizzling summer day. Each one has a season when the taste and benefits are optimal. In the summer, we enjoy seasonal fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and bananas. There are many that can be enjoyed all year long, and some that have varying seasons. The star fruit, for instance, has two blooming periods, so they are in season throughout most of the year.
Curious to learn more about star fruit season? Read on to learn more!
What Is Star Fruit?
Carambola, aka star fruit, is a tropical fruit that is native to Southeast Asia and India. The star-shaped fruit can be found in humid, sunny climates. They grow on trees in South America, Australia, India, Asia, and in some parts of the US.
The fruit is not popular in the US and used mostly in salads and to garnish beverages. The yellow star is enjoyed in many parts of the world. The fruit has a sweet and sour flavor that can be consumed raw or cooked in recipes.
Star fruit is high in fiber, low-calorie, and provides you with vitamins A and C.
Photo Credit By: Pixabay
When Is Star Fruit in Season?
Unlike other fruits, star fruit has a unique season. The fruit can be harvested from June to February and can change from year to year. They are usually found in stores between October and December.
In South Florida, the fruit is harvested from August to September and December to February.
When purchasing star fruit, look for yellow-green or bright yellow skin. It’s okay if the edges are a little brown. Overripe star fruit has brown spots all over it, however. A star fruit that is not ripe will be mostly green in color. Keep in mind when you are buying one, the small star fruit tends to be sour while the larger ones are sweeter.
If you purchase a green star fruit for later consumption, store it at room temperature. Avoid putting it in the sunlight, so it does not ripen and turn yellow. If the star fruit has brown edges and you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator.
How to Eat a Star Fruit:
Pick one that is ripe
Clean the fruit with water
Remove the ends of the fruit at the star points
Slice it horizontally so it is in the shape of a star
Star Fruit has a high oxalate content and can be dangerous for individuals with kidney problems. Some of the effects include kidney damage and toxicity. Fruit toxicity can cause neurological symptoms like seizures, confusion, or death.
Symptoms of star fruit toxicity include nausea, vomiting, hiccups, insomnia, agitation, convulsions, and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms within one to five hours after consuming a star fruit, seek medical attention immediately.
Starfruit can also alter the breakdown of prescription medications and should be eaten with caution. We recommend consulting your physician before consuming a star fruit.
Conclusion
If you are a healthy person and do not suffer from kidney problems, star fruit can be a low-calorie, nutritious treat. The fruit can be used for eating fresh, garnishing, and freezing. The star fruit is in season for several months, twice a year, so you do not need to wait to enjoy it. Unlike other fruits, they are available and tasty throughout most of the year.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
