Starfruit (Carambola)

Starfruit, also known as carambola, is a glossy, waxy-skinned tropical fruit with five prominent ridges running its length. Cut it crosswise and each slice is a perfect five-pointed star — which is the entire reason for its common name and much of its appeal as a garnish.

The flesh is crisp, juicy, and entirely edible — skin, seeds, and all. Flavour varies with ripeness: underripe fruit is tart and crunchy, almost like green apple, while fully ripe starfruit is sweeter with hints of citrus, pear, and grape. It’s eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, used as a garnish on cocktails and desserts, or sliced into Asian-style salads and relishes.

Starfruit is grown in tropical Queensland and is available seasonally in Australian supermarkets and greengrocers, typically between autumn and spring.