Star Fruit
Starfruit also known as carambola is native to the Philippines, and the botanical name is “Averrhoa carambola. We call it “Balimbing” which is an ambiguation from the botanical name of another fruit we call “kamias” or Averrhoa bilimbi which is sour and used as a souring agent for soups and other dishes.
The fruit has five ridges on its sides and when you cut it crosswise you will find starshape pieces which most chefs and bartenders are using as garnishes for their foods and drinks. It’s actually becoming a popular fruit nowadays. Although it is not particularly sweet when you eat it, you can eat the whole fruit. No need to peel. Even the seeds are edible but you don’t have to eat it if you don’t like.
Starfruit or balimbing is rich in antioxidants and potassium. It is very juicy and good to eat fresh. It won’t keep long in the refrigerator so might as well enjoy eating it fresh and when in season. In the Philippines, summertime which runs from March to May will have an abundance of the starfruits.
