Antioxidant Rich Star Fruit!

In our update last week, we mentioned that star fruit is very high in antioxidant because they contain compounds called "phenolics,". Fruits rich in antioxidants are important because they can lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes-related damage and even slow down the body's natural aging process. So while you ready this go grab a star fruit, or if not, a bottle of Nature Isle chutney and then continue reading….

The star fruit or carambola is a tropical fruit that is gaining popularity in the United States. This fruit acquired its name from the five pointed star shape when cut across the middle of the fruit. It has a waxy, golden yellow to green color skin with a complicated flavor combination that includes plums, pineapples, and lemons. The taste of carambola is compared to plums, pineapple or lemons, as well as apples or grapes. Starfruit is also known as coromandel gooseberry or star apple. It is commonly used in salads or desserts, eaten as a fruit or used as an attractive garnish. Its juice is also used to flavor commercially prepared drinks. Starfruit is very juicy and has a pleasant scent. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, are low fat, and naturally sodium and cholesterol free. A small whole star fruit will provide approximately 2/3 cup sliced.

When cooked, starfruit can serve as a dessert or condiment. It also makes a nice sauce or garnish for poultry, fish, pork and beef dishes. Starfruit can be combined with chicken or other protein, avocados, and other fruits and vegetables to make a salad. It is also used in sweet bread recipes and cakes.

When You Shop
Select firm, shiny skinned, even colored fruit. Star fruits will ripen at room temperature and have lightly brown edges on the ribs when it’s ripe. Avoid purchasing star fruit with brown, shriveled ribs. This delicious fruit is also available dried.

Preparation
Star fruits are great to eat out of hand as these tropical delights do not need to be peeled or seeded before eating. Simply wash the fruit, remove any blemished areas, cut crosswise to get the star shape, and eat!

Star Fruit Salad
Makes 4 servings Each serving equals 1 cup of fruit or vegetables
Ingredients

2 star fruit
2 kiwis
2 bananas
1 cup mango fruit nectar
1 cup low fat vanilla yogurt

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Star fruit causes several symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease. The symptoms vary and include insomnia, intractable hiccups, agitation, muscle weakness, confusion, consciousness disturbances of various degrees, seizures, and cardiorespiratory arrest.
The various star fruit subspecies contain different toxins, including a powerful neurotoxin that is suspected to accumulate in blood, cross the blood-brain barrier in chronic renal failure patients, and eventually cause irreversible damage. Star fruit intoxication is a neglected but serious fruit intoxication frequently observed in patients with chronic renal failure. Because no effective treatment is currently available, patients— especially those who are newly diagnosed with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease—must be warned not to ingest star fruit, even in small amounts.

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