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Basic Information: The starfruit plant is a species of tree in the family Oxalidaceae. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree that grows 5-12 meters tall. The branches are drooping and the wood is white and turns reddish. It has a bushy shape with many branches producing a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are soft, medium-green, and spirally arranged around the branches in an alternate fashion. The flowers are rose to red-purple, small and bell shaped and have five petals that have whitish edges. The flowers are often produced year round in tropical conditions. The fruits have a thin, waxy skin that is orange-yellow in color. The juicy fruits are yellow inside when ripe and have a crisp texture. When cut in the cross section, the fruits are star shaped. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Starfruit contains fiber, which contributes to normal bowel function and a feeling of fullness as part of a balanced diet.
- Starfruit is low in calories and contains a number of nutrients, which makes it a useful fruit within a balanced diet.
- Starfruit is a source of potassium, which contributes to normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
- Starfruit contains vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. Important note: starfruit contains oxalate and a neurotoxin that can be harmful to people with kidney problems, who should avoid it or ask their doctor first.
- Starfruit contains some protein and magnesium. Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal muscle function.
- Starfruit contains vitamin C, flavonoids and saponins, which show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Starfruit leaves and roots are sometimes used in traditional medicine for various complaints. These are traditional uses only and have not been confirmed by sufficient scientific evidence.
Fun Facts:
- The fruit folds its leaves during the night as a response to the vibrations of the tree
- Starfruit starts to produce fruit 3-4 years after planting and mature trees can produce 200-400 pounds of fruit per year
- Starfruit leaves and roots are sometimes used in traditional medicine as the treatment of chickenpox, headaches, and ringworm
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averrhoa_carambola
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-health-benefits-star-fruit/
http://tonsoffacts.com/25-fun-and-interesting-facts-about-starfruit/