Carambola

--- The Carambola (*Averrhoa carambola*), commonly known as **Star Fruit**, is an edible tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is immediately recognizable due to its unique shape: an oblong, waxy fruit with five (sometimes six) prominent longitudinal ridges. When sliced crosswise, it forms a perfect five-pointed star. **Characteristics:** * **Appearance:** When unripe, the fruit is dark green, but as it ripens, the thin, waxy skin turns a glossy yellow or orange-yellow. * **Texture and Flavor:** The flesh is crisp, firm, and extremely juicy, with a texture often compared to grapes. Carambola comes in two main varieties: * **Sweet:** Mildly sweet with a faint, underlying tartness, often described as a blend of apple, pear, and citrus. * **Sour:** Firmer and more acidic, often used in cooking, pickling, or to clean metal due to its higher oxalic acid content. * **Consumption:** The entire fruit, including the skin, is edible. It is popular as a fresh snack, a striking garnish for salads and cocktails, and an ingredient in juices, jams, and curries. ***Note on Safety:*** *Star fruit contains a neurotoxin called caramboxin and high levels of oxalate. Due to the risk of toxicity and kidney damage, people with **kidney disease** or those taking certain **prescription medications** must avoid this fruit and should consult a doctor before consumption.*