

Enter the
Share Market®
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
SalanovaĀ® Lettuces
SalanovaĀ® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.


3 Nuts |
Description/Taste
Carambolas are curious-looking fruits that grow on short trunked, densely branched, evergreen trees. They appear along branches and near the leaf joints following small, red stemmed, lilac and purple flowers. The fruits are oblong, maturing from a dark or light green to an orangey-yellow and have 5 (sometimes 6) ribs, or wings that are sometimes tipped with green. They range in size from 6 to 15 centimeters long and up to 9 centimeters wide. Beneath the thin and waxy skin is a yellow flesh that is juicy and crisp when fully ripe. Immature fruits are sour. When cut lengthwise into slices the resulting shape is that of a star. Most fruits will contain up to 12 tiny, flat, brown seeds. Ripe fruits will have a honeyed, tropical aroma, as well as sweet-tart tasting notes of plum and grape. The entire fruit is edible including skin and seeds.
Seasons/Availability
Carambolas are available year-round in tropical regions, and in the late summer through early winter in subtropical areas.
Current Facts
Carambolas, more commonly known in the United States as Star fruit, are scientifically classified as Averrhoa carambola. The fruits have a long history in the Americas, but have their origins in Southeast Asia. The word ācarambolaā was adopted by the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to encounter the fruit while in India, where the Malay word was used. The name originally comes from the Sanskrit word for the 5-angled fruit, ākarmarangaā meaning āfood appetizerā. For this reason, they are referred to as Carambola in many Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries, as well as in southern Florida where the fruits have a short season. The fruits are known as Carambola and Belimbing in their native Indonesia and Carambolier in France, as well as Five Corner fruit in Australia and Five Finger fruit in Guyana. Carambolas contain small amounts of oxalic acid which can exacerbate issues for people with weak or compromised kidneys. Though there are many different cultivars of Carambola, there are two distinct types: a wild type that tends to be smaller, green, sour, and contains more oxalic acid; the other, a cultivated, sweeter type, that is typically larger and more uniform in shape.
Nutritional Value
Carambolas are rich in vitamin C, with one serving giving you half your daily recommended intake of the beneficial nutrient. It is also a good source of fiber and a great source of vitamin K. Carambolas contain vitamin A, carotenes and B-complex vitamins. They are rich in antioxidant flavonoids and folate, and also contain minerals like potassium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. Unripe fruits contain high amounts of oxalic acid, and can be detrimental to those with kidney disease or taking statin drugs.
Applications
Carambolas can be eaten fresh, sliced into stars, or juiced. The sliced fruits have an aesthetically pleasing appearance and are often used as garnish for salads or drinks. Carambola juice can be blended with other tropical fruit juices or can be used for making cocktails and sangria. The fruit can be baked in pies, pastries, tarts and cakes. In Malaysia, they are stewed along with apples, sugar and cloves. Sour or slightly under-ripe Carambolas are best for jams and candying, and in Thailand they are salted and pickled. Young, green fruits are used to make relishes or chutneys. Ripe fruit is dried in Jamaica, concentrating the sugars and preserving for future use. Carambolas pair well with poultry, fish and shrimp. They can be used in marinades, sauces and braising liquids. Store ripe, unwashed fruit in the refrigerator for up to a month. At room temperature, some Carambola varieties will keep for up to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Brazil, the juice of the Carambola is popular as a refreshing drink and thirst quencher. It is also used medicinally as a diuretic and for those with kidney or bladder problems. The juice of the Carambola is used to treat eczema. In India, the juice is used to counteract fevers and to relieve hangovers. In Chinese medicine, it is used as a cooling agent and appetite stimulant.
Geography/History
Carambolas are believed to be native to Malaysia, known as the Moluccas or Spice Islands. They have been grown in Indonesia and southern China for centuries. The Portuguese discovered the fruit when colonizing India just after the turn of the 16th century. From there, Carambolas traveled with Portuguese explorers to South America and Africa, where the fruit has grown since and spread to nearby regions. Carl Linnaeus was the first to name and record information about the star-shaped fruit. They appeared in his Species Plantarum published in 1753. The genus name, Averrhoa, was given to the fruit trees after a Spanish philosopher and physician known as Averroes. His real name was Ibn-Ruschd, and he lived during the 12th century in Cordoba, Spain. Linneaus adopted the genus name from its common name, a nod to the Portuguese that found the fruit in India. Carambolas were introduced to Florida in the mid-1800s, likely from South America or the Caribbean. The tropical fruits are cultivated for export worldwide, and are sometimes waxed to protect them during shipping, extend storage and preserve the nutrient value of the fruit. In Hawaii and in subtropical Florida and Southern California in the United States, locally grown fruits may be spotted seasonally at farmers markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Carambola. One

Love Food Eat |
![]() ![]() |
Spicy Star Fruit Gojju/Relish |
Recently Shared
People have shared Carambola using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
![]() ![]()
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens G-43 00302104830298 About 58 days ago, 12/29/20 Sharer's comments : Carambola š¹ ![]() ![]()
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens G-43 00302104830298 About 72 days ago, 12/15/20 Sharer's comments : Star fruits 𤩠![]() ![]() About 129 days ago, 10/19/20 Sharer's comments : Carambolas from 3 nut farm ![]() ![]() About 146 days ago, 10/01/20 Sharer's comments : Star fruit!! ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 148 days ago, 9/29/20 Sharer's comments : 3 Nuts Farm ![]() ![]()
Supermercado Mercandu
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaVia santa Elena Calle 10A N36A Este-163 Km12 Medellin Antioquia 574-538-2142 About 279 days ago, 5/21/20 Sharer's comments : Fruta tropical, perfecta para jugos refrescantes o para decorar tus comidas ![]() ![]() About 363 days ago, 2/27/20 ![]() ![]()
Whole Foods Market - N Glendale Ave
Near Glendale, California, United States331 N Glendale Ave Glendale CA 91206 818-548-3695 https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com About 389 days ago, 2/01/20 ![]() ![]()
Whole Foods Market - E Foothill Blvd
Near Arcadia, California, United States3751 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena CA 91107 626-351-5994 https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com About 389 days ago, 2/01/20 Sharer's comments : Florida grown. ![]() ![]()
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 323-928-2829 https://www.sasounproduce.com About 390 days ago, 1/31/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful . ![]() About 391 days ago, 1/30/20 Sharer's comments : Colossal size! ![]() ![]()
Crown Valley Market
Near Ladera Ranch, California, United States2771 Center Drive Mission Viejo CA 92692 949-340-1010 http://www.crownvalleymarket.com About 397 days ago, 1/24/20 ![]() ![]()
LF Market Oriental & Seafood
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States5350 W Bell Road #115 Glendale AZ 85308 602-993-5878 About 401 days ago, 1/20/20 ![]() ![]()
Fry's Marketplace - Bell Road
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States1311 E Bell Road Phoenix AZ 85022 602-594-5030 https://www.frysfood.com About 403 days ago, 1/18/20 ![]() ![]() About 415 days ago, 1/06/20 ![]() About 434 days ago, 12/18/19 ![]() ![]() About 477 days ago, 11/05/19 Sharer's comments : Carambola in from 3 nuts farm in Vista! Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 537 days ago, 9/07/19 ![]() ![]()
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
Near Florida City, Florida, United States19200 SW 344th St Homestead FL 33034 1-305-246-1592 About 544 days ago, 8/30/19 ![]() About 555 days ago, 8/19/19 Apopka Market at Tractor Supply Near Apopka, Florida, United States About 558 days ago, 8/17/19 ![]() About 562 days ago, 8/12/19 ![]() ![]()
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 567 days ago, 8/07/19 ![]() ![]()
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 569 days ago, 8/05/19 ![]() ![]() About 571 days ago, 8/03/19 Apopka Market at Tractor Supply Near Apopka, Florida, United States About 586 days ago, 7/20/19 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 663 days ago, 5/04/19 Lake County farmers market Near Forest City, Florida, United States About 706 days ago, 3/21/19 |