Wednesday November 15, 2006
All about the star fruit
FOOD SAFETY
By CHIA JOO SUAN
THE star fruit is aptly named for its shape: a five-pointed cross-section, like a star, when the fruit is cut diagonally.
The slices can be served as a decorative appetiser. Star fruit (carambola, or belimbing manis in Malay) contains numerous healthful nutrients.
However, people with kidney problems are not advised to consume the fruit.
The ripe fruits contain more vitamin C than many local fruits. (100 grams of star fruit provides about 26mg of vitamin C; watermelon (5.5mg), langsat (13mg), nangka (18mg), lemon (19mg), limau nipis (37mg) and orange (40mg).
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The star fruit has a host of nutrients but people with kidney problems should avoid the fruit as the oxalates in the fruit may cause serious intoxication. |
The fruit has low calories, zero cholesterol and is fat-free. The juicy pulp supplies iron, fibres and vitamin A.
Dieters enjoy star fruit for its high fibre and low calorie appeal. Regular consumption of the fruit is also known to help regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and lower risk of cardiovascular problems.
Star fruit is grouped as “cooling” in Chinese food beliefs and is taken to relieve sore throat, and alleviate hangovers .
Concern with oxalates
Star fruit contains oxalic acid which can combine with calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, or potassium to form tiny little crystals with sharp edges known as oxalates. These crystals irritate the tissues.
One should avoid excessive consumption of star fruit on a daily basis. High levels of oxalates in the diet lead to irritation of the digestive system, and particularly of the stomach and kidneys. The oxalates may deplete the availability of calcium and weaken the bone. Oxalates are also known to precipitate the formation of (calcium oxalate) kidney stones.
It is also not advisable to boil or juice the young, immature fruit and consume it to control blood pressure. Excessive consumption of oxalic acid from the young fruit may lead to other side effects.
People with kidney problems should avoid the fruit. The oxalates may cause serious intoxication. Symptoms include insomnia, intractable hiccups, agitation, muscle weakness, and confusion of various degrees. Seizures, and cardio-respiratory arrest and death have been reported.
Reduced use of insecticide
The flavour of the juicy fruit resembles a combination of plums, pineapples and lemons, rave fruit aficionados. It has an edible waxy skin, golden yellow to green in colour, which is prone to insect attack.
Driving along the country roads around Kajang, you may spot well-pruned green shrubs with bags dangling on branches. These are most likely star fruit trees. Farmers wrap the fruits individually with paper bags to protect them from insect attack. Although it involves intensive labour, it helps to reduce or avoid the use of pesticides.
Star fruits will ripen at room temperature and have lightly brown edges on the ribs when it is ripe. When selecting fruits, look for firm, ripe fruit that is shiny and even in colour.
There are two types of star fruit available in our market. The table fruit belong to Averrhoa carambola.
The sweet variety B10 has thick and fleshy ribs and is light yellow in colour. The fruits of the tart variety, such as the B17, are usuallygolden- yellow and have narrowly spaced ribs.
The cooking variety Averrhoa bilimbi is known as Belimbing buluh. The tree is very productive, bursting with small fruit on branches and main tree trunk.
Its appetising, sharp taste is commonly used to spice up sambal belacan . Belimbing buluh is also a popular ingredient for making chutney.
The star fruit leaves are effective in the relief of skin irritation or itch, and can also be to stop light bleeding.
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