STAR FRUIT
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. As a general rule, the yellower, the sweeter. They are bruised easily, so handle with care. Star fruit can be eaten out of hand or sliced and used as a garnish or in salads. They are also used in curries and tarts.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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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