CARAMBOLA or STAR FRUIT
See also: Star Fruit Article
The star fruit or carambola, is a unique fruit that has a 5 pointed star shape when cut across the middle of the fruit. They range in taste from pleasantly tart and sour to slightly sweet. There are two varieties, one smaller and sour, the other larger and slightly sweet.
Star fruit have paper-thin thin, waxy, yellow-orange skin with tart crisp flesh. The juicy flesh is mostly water and does not hold up well when heated.
Two varieties are found in markets, one very sour and the other slightly sweet. Their flavor has been described as like a cross between an apple and a grape. It is almost impossible to tell the sweet and tart varieties apart, but in general the sweet varities have thicker, fleshier ribs; some also report that the yellower, the sweeter. There are several white varieties, all of which are sweet.
Starfruit bruise easily, so handle with care.
The sweet variety can be eaten out of hand or sliced and used as a garnish or in salads. They are also used in chutney, curries and tarts. The juice can be used in tropical drinks and smoothies.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This warning is directed at individuals with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease.
Star fruit originated in Southeast Asia and is readily available in Taiwan. Star fruit causes several symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease.
The symptoms vary and include insomnia, intractable hiccups, agitation, muscle weakness, confusion, consciousness disturbances of various degrees, seizures, and cardiorespiratory arrest.
The various star fruit subspecies contain different toxins, including a powerful neurotoxin that is suspected to accumulate in blood, cross the blood-brain barrier in chronic renal failure patients, and eventually cause irreversible damage.
Star fruit intoxication is a neglected but serious fruit intoxication frequently observed in patients with chronic renal failure.
Because no effective treatment is currently available, patients— especially those who are newly diagnosed with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease—must be warned not to ingest star fruit, even in small amounts.
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