Star Fruit/Starfruit

The name star fruit comes from the shape of the cross-section shape of the fruit (check out the photo below), because the five ridges which run lengthwise on it side. Whenripe, star fruit is juicy with a sweet scent, sweet with a hint of tang.

Star Fruit Cross-Section Slices =)

HOW TO PICK FRESH STAR FRUIT

LOOK FOR THESE:

• Nice orange color in the concave ridges that fade into a nice green color in the convex ridges, except the very top of the ridge which is usually more of a dark brown color (Star fruits with this color characteristic are ripen naturally. Hence, better texture and flavor. Check out the photo below)

• Uglier the better with a twist or some type of deformation (This might sound odd because for most fruits, we look for more even and "prettier" shapes. However, for star fruit, it is best if its body is twisted some how. Check out the photos below for some examples.)

Star Fruit with a Twist_01

Star Fruit with a Twist_02

• Feel firm when gently squeezed
• Free of soft or brown spots

AVOID THESE:

• With brown or soft spots
• Majority of the fruit being green (These star fruits are not ripe enough. They won't taste very sweet.)

HOW TO STORE FRESH STAR FRUIT

IN THE FRIDGE: When wrapped in paper towels, fresh star fruits can about 3-4 days when store in the crisper drawer.

IN ROOM TEMPERATURE: When wrapped in paper towels, they can about 2-3 days. Try not to put anything heavy on top.

HOW TO PREPAR/EAT FRESH STAR FRUIT

After a thorough wash, you can use a knife to trim of the brown edges, and the two ends. Then, you can slice it any way you want or eat them whole. For better presentation, star fruits should be sliced widthwise to reveal the star shape. Check out the video below:

FUN TO KNOW STAR FRUIT

Star fruit, when translated in Chinese, it is 楊桃.