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Starfruit – The Entire Fruit is Edible

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I realize that not everyone has access to starfruit, in fact, it is limited where I live, but occasionally I get to partake of this beautiful fruit. If you are new to starfruit, the taste can be a complex flavor that may be tart or sweet, combining flavors of pineapples and lemons. The entire fruit is edible, except the seeds. Starfruit has a slightly waxy textured skin, and the inside flesh is firm, crunchy, and extremely juicy—quenching any thirst. Its high water content and high content of insoluble fiber makes this fruit easy to digest and helps maintain proper function of the bowels, speeding elimination time.

There are two varieties of starfruit, sweet and tart. The tart variety is smaller, used as a garnish and for the preparation of stews, curries, dishes made of poultry, fish, and seafood. This variety contains more oxalic acid than the sweet variety. So if you are sensitive to oxalic acid, be watchful to see how your body reacts with these. The sweet variety is eaten fresh, or it can be used for the preparation of juices, cocktails, jams, and sweet desserts.

Starfruit is grown in South Florida as well as other warmer southeastern and southwestern areas. They love full sun and like to be away from other trees, buildings, structures, and power lines. Along with warm temperatures, this plant needs well-drained soil, improved fertilization, and protection from the wind. Starfruit in these areas is harvested between June and February which means that some cultivars of starfruit can produce two to three crops per year.

The Starfruit Tree

Starfruit has a short trunk and a bushy, roundish crown. It can reach 25 to 30 feet in height and 20 to 25 feet in width. The fruit folds its leaves during the night and as a response to the vibration of the tree. Starfruit trees begin to produce fruit three to four years after planting. Mature trees can produce 200 to 400 pounds of fruit per year.

The Act of Pollination

Starfruit produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are arranged in clusters and that grow from the axils of leaves. The flowers are lilac colored and contain both types of reproductive organs. A wonderful attribute of the starfruit tree is that it blooms all year round. The flowers attract bees, which are responsible for the pollination of this plant. Soon after blooming and pollination, starfruits will begin to grow. They start out green, heading out towards a yellow color when ripe, covered with smooth, waxy skin on the surface. It has a crispy, juicy pulp and ten to twelve light brown edible seeds.

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Harvest and Storage

Uses of the Star Fruit

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Non-Food Uses of the Star Fruit Tree

Caution for those with Renal Disorders:

People diagnosed with renal disorders should avoid starfruit because it contains oxalic acid, which facilitates the formation of kidney stones.

2 thoughts on “Starfruit – The Entire Fruit is Edible

  1. TammySmith1967 says:

    Teehee! We have SIX star fruit trees on our property in Belize! Three of the sweet, three tart. Absolutely LOVE them when fully ripened. They produce about 4-6 times a year down here!

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