What Goes Well With Starfruit

I can remember seeing starfruit for the first time as a kid thinking it was so weird but, also fun. We always enjoyed starfruit by itself but, what goes well with starfruit?

Sweet, spicy, and salty flavors are the perfect combination to go with starfruit. Salads with tangy citrus dressings, sweet and salty marinades or sauces, and spicy curries are perfect dishes to pair with starfruit.

Table of Contents

What Is Starfruit

Starfruit is a native fruit from Southeast Asia, that also goes by the name of Carambola.

It’s a uniquely shaped fruit in a elongated star. When sliced you have a perfect star shaped piece of fruit.

How Does Starfruit Taste

Starfruit is a combination of sweet and tart flavors. Some would say it’s similar to citrus, apples, pears, and grapes. When a starfruit is under-ripe the flavor will be a lot more tart.

Can You Eat The Skin Of A Starfruit

You can eat the outside skin of a starfruit, the entire fruit is edible.

What Is The Texture Of Starfruit

The inside of a starfruit has a texture that is very much like the inside of a grape or a pear.

How Do You Pick A Ripe Starfruit

A starfruit starts out green and ripens to a nice golden yellow color. The ripe fruit can also have slightly green or brown edges. An under-ripe fruit has many green spots where an overripe fruit will have many brown spots.

It’s like searching for the Goldilocks of starfruit. The starfruit that is just right is mostly yellow with slightly green or yellow edges.

What Spices And Seasonings Go Well With Starfruit

Starfruit pairs well with many different spices and seasonings. Let’s take a look at some ideas.

Cinnamon
Cloves
Honey
Chili
Brown sugar
Ginger
Soy sauce

What Food Goes Well With Starfruit

Foods that are sweet, tangy, spicy or acidic go really well with starfruit.

What Fruit Goes Well With Starfruit

Pineapple
Papaya
Mango
Lemons
Oranges
Passion fruit
Limes
Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Coconut
Kiwi

What Dishes Would I Pair Starfruit With

Teriyaki
Coconut Curry
Cucumber salad
Citrus Vinegarette salad
Tofu with cilantro lime rice
Barbeque

What Should I Make With Starfruit

Since starfruit is very tropical I would pair it with summer salads and dishes that have citrus kick to them.

You can’t go wrong with a rice dish. It could be a nice cilantro lime rice or a tangy fried rice with pineapple.

For the main dish I would suggest a grilled teriyaki tofu or you favorite veggie burger.

How Should I Eat Starfruit

Starfruit can be eaten all by itself. Slice the fruit into perfect star shaped pieces and enjoy.

If you want to doctor up the basics drizzle on a honey-lime vinegarette and sprinkle with a small amount of chili powder or cinnamon.

There are many ways to enjoy this fun fruit.

Add star slices to your favorite fruit salad
Make fruit kabobs with star-shaped toppers
Make a fresh salsa with starfruit
Dry the starfruit and make starfruit chips, sprinkle on cinnamon
Replace the pineapple in your favorite upside-down cake with starfruit for a fun twist
Make a starfruit sorbet
Make starfruit jam
Freeze some starfruit slices for your drinks
Add starfruit to your next summer sangria
Throw some starfruit in your smoothie

Is Starfruit Healthy

Starfruit is a very healthy food that is high in vitamin C and fiber.

This fun fruit is also high in antioxidants, which helps combat cell damage in our bodies.

In many cultures, starfruit is used as an alternative to pharmaceutical medicine. It’s been used for many years to treat fevers, sore throats, coughs, colds, headaches, skin issues, and asthma.

Should Some People Not Eat Starfruit

Although starfruit is amazing and has many health benefits, there are those that should avoid consuming starfruit.

People With Kidney Issues Should Avoid Starfruit

Starfruit is very high in oxalates or oxalic acid.

High oxalate foods can cause kidney stones and should be avoided if you have kidney disease.

If you have or have had any health concerns regarding your kidneys, you should speak with your doctor before eating high oxalate foods like starfruit.

Can I Grow Starfruit

Due to starfruit being a tropical plant it can be grown outdoors in zones 9-11.

Epic Gardening has a wonderful article all about growing starfruit.

Can You Grow Starfruit Indoors

Even if you don’t live in a warm climate it is possible to have your own starfruit tree.

How To Grow Star Fruit Indoors

How Much Starfruit Does A Tree Yield

The amount of fruit that a starfruit tree will produce will depend on it’s age, climate and care.

A full grown mature tree can yield on average 200 to 400 pounds of fruit a year. That’s a lot of starfruit.

Final Thoughts

Starfruit is a fun and unexpected fruit.

To be honest I rarely ever buy starfruit. it’s sort of a forgotten fruit but, I plan on making a point of picking one up more often.

Regardless if you a young or old the fun star shape and sweet tangy flavor is bound to bring some joy to your meals.