Cut a Starfruit

The starfruit, also called carambola, is one of the coolest-looking fruits. It is known as the starfruit because of its distinct shape, which resembles a star. This golden-yellow fruit is quite decorative, and can be sliced into thin, star-shaped slices that can then decorate salads or fruit bowls.

Steps

Preparing to Slice Starfruit

  1. Wash the fruit. Rinse it under cold water, scrubbing with your fingers until any loose dirt hiding in the crevices comes free. Washing the fruit will ensure that any chemicals or germs that may have been on it are removed and it is safe to consume.[1]
  2. Use a cutting board. Using a cutting board is better than cutting the fruit on your counter, since it will prevent you from scratching up your countertop. Either a plastic or wooden cutting board will work well.
  3. Obtain a sharp knife. Be sure that you are careful while using the knife so as to avoid accidentally cutting yourself. Clean the knife prior to use with hot water and soap.

Cutting the Green Edges Off the Fruit

  1. Cut the fruit open. Slide the blade of your knife along the green edges of the starfruit. Remove only the non-orange edge of the fruit.
  2. Slice off the two ends. After the edges have been removed, slice off the two ends of your starfruit. Remove about half of an inch (1.27 cm) with your knife. At this point, your starfruit should only be orange in color; all of the green or brown areas should have been cut off.[2]
  3. Slice along its broadest side. On the widest side, slice the trimmed fruit into star shapes that are about a half an inch (1.27 cm) thick in size.[3]
  4. Remove any seeds. Your slices will have seeds in them, and seeds are especially found in the middle of the fruit. Poke through the center of your fruit with your knife to remove the seeds.

Cleaning Up and Serving Starfruit

  1. Wash your hands. Starfruit, like all citrus fruits, contains acids, so be careful to keep it of your eyes and away from open wounds. After you cut it, wash your hands with hot water and soap to prevent stinging in case you touch your eyes later.
  2. Place the starfruit in a dish or bowl. Display the starfruit however you see fit, depending on the occasion. All parts of the fruit are edible, so don’t waste or throw away any scraps that you would rather eat.[4]
  3. Wipe the cutting and counter surface clean. Wash your cutting board so that it will be clean and ready for future food preparations. Be sure the counter is clear of any fruit remains, as fruit can rot and smell over time.
  4. Serve your starfruit. Starfruit can be used in a vast number of recipes, from starfruit chips[5] to mango-orange sauce.[6] Plan your recipe ahead of time so that you can be sure to account for all ingredients.



Tips

  • If you want to sweeten the starfruit or strengthen its flavor, sprinkle a little salt on it. This will bring out and enhance the flavor of the fruit.

Warnings

  • Children should always be supervised while using a knife for any purpose.

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Sources and Citations

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