Star fruit, also known as carambola, kamrakh or kamranga, is a tarty gem that surprises with its sweetness as well. The star fruit is a common fruit growing in the country and in the wilderness. While only limited methods of preparations have been discovered by locals, it is undeniably an underrated fruit with a host of health benefits and the potential to change your culinary experience. Native to Southeast Asia, star fruit has 5 distinct ridges that form a star shape when sliced cross-section. Its golden yellow skin and green ridges encase a translucent white flesh with tiny edible seeds in the centre. From its striking appearance, resembling a star when sliced to its rich nutritional profile packed with vitamins C and A, fibre, and antioxidants, star fruit is the hidden gem of the culinary world.
Try the khatta-meetha chutneys with aromatic spices, the Goan-style Karmalache Goad Mel using pressure-cooked star fruit and jaggery syrup. Indulge in smoothie bowls bursting with freshness, tangy murabbas elevating star fruit's subtle flavours, and jam spreading its vibrant taste. Quench your thirst with juicy elixirs, refreshing iced teas, and tangy pickles and enjoy a whole cake all made from this tarty fruit!
1. Star Fruit Chutney: A Sweet-Savoury Relish
Aromatic spices and star fruit come together to create an irresistible chutney that’s perfect to accompany a variety of Indian dishes. The blend of star fruit's natural sweetness with a hint of tartness gives this chutney a unique profile that complements both curries and rice dishes. Served in small quantities, it adds an unexpected burst of flavour that tantalises your palate.
2. Karmalache Goad Mel
Karmalache Goad Mel is a star fruit chutney, made by pressure cooking sliced star fruit and green chilies, preparing a jaggery syrup, and tempering spices like mustard seeds. The pressure cooked mixture is simmered with the jaggery syrup until thick, then sugar, red chilli powder, and seasoning are added. This sweet-sour chutney highlights star fruit's subtle flavour and is best served with Indian breads like chapati. It makes for a healthy condiment, highlighting the benefits of star fruit like vitamin C and antioxidant properties.
3. Fruit Smoothie Bowl: A Burst of Freshness in a Bowl
Start your day with a vibrant fruit smoothie bowl, a delightful blend of fresh fruits and creamy yoghurt. This nutritious breakfast treat awakens your senses with a burst of colours and flavours. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it's a wholesome way to kickstart your morning and keep you energised throughout the day.
4. Star Fruit Murabba: A Tangy Confection with a Sweet Twist
Savour the zesty allure of star fruit in the form of murabba, a traditional Indian preserve. The star fruit's unique balance of sweetness and tanginess is elevated through a slow cooking process with sugar and spices. This mouth-watering creation offers a tantalising contrast that's perfect as a spread or a standalone treat.
5. Star Fruit Jam: A Spreadable Delicacy
Take your morning toast to the next level with homemade star fruit jam. The distinctive flavour of star fruit shines through in this sweet spread, providing a delectable option for breakfast or afternoon tea. Its vibrant colour and unique taste make it a standout on your pantry shelf.
6. Star Fruit Juice: A Quenching Elixir
Elevate your hydration game with star fruit juice, a refreshing elixir featuring star fruit, ice cubes, water and sugar. This juice is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this tangy-sweet nectar invigorates your senses and replenishes your energy. Whether enjoyed on a sunny morning or as a cooling sip on a balmy afternoon, star fruit juice is a sip of pure paradise that brings the magic of the tropics to your glass.
7. Star Fruit Iced Tea: A Refreshing Way to Beat the Heat
All you need are a few tea bags, preferably black tea, the same amount of star fruits some mint leaves and two slices of the star fruit for garnish. Juice the star fruits in a blender, infuse the tea in the star fruit concentrate and make iced tea by adding water, ice cubes and crushed mint leaves, and garnishing with the star fruit slices.
8. Star Fruit Pickle: A Tangy Triumph
Experience the tanginess of star fruit in a whole new way with homemade star fruit pickle. The marriage of sharp spices and star fruit’s natural tartness creates a condiment that’s both bold and addictive. Enjoy it as a side to your meals or as a tangy accompaniment to snacks.
9. Starfruit Upside Down Cake: A Slice of Indulgence
Transport your taste buds to paradise with a starfruit upside down cake. The succulent starfruit slices crown a bed of caramelized sweetness, creating a dessert that's a true tropical delight. As you delve into each forkful, the harmonious blend of textures and flavours takes you on a journey through the exotic realms of starfruit-infused decadence.
10. Starfruit Pineapple Mint Julep: A Sip of Boozy Refreshment
Elevate your cocktail game with a starfruit pineapple mint julep. The muddled starfruit and pineapple lend their tangy notes to the classic julep, while fresh mint adds a burst of coolness and the bourbon resting in ice lends a weekend vibe. Sip this enchanting concoction on a balmy evening and let the mingling of flavours transport you to a lush tropical oasis, one sip at a time.
From chutneys to desserts, star fruit adds its unique charm to a plethora of different dishes. Its ability to seamlessly blend with spices and other ingredients makes it a versatile culinary companion. So, next time you find yourself yearning wanting to try something new, try one of these and let the tangy allure of star fruit guide your taste buds through a journey of indulgence with easily available local ingredients that you can use to make them on your own.