In Season: Star Fruit

Star fruit, more commonly known in Barbados as Five Finger, and scientifically referred to as Carambola, is in season this month. The fruit got its name "five finger" because of the five segments or star-shaped cross section. This short-trunked evergreen tree with a widely branched and bushy canopy can be found growing throughout Barbados with the juicy and somewhat mildly acidic fruit.

We here in Barbados use the star fruit to make delicious natural juices, relish or eat raw. Make sure to pick the star fruit when its ripe, i.e. yellow with a light shade of green. Not only is it rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and low in sugar, but it also is a source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants.

Have you tried star fruit/five fingers?