Star Fruit Carambola is the perfect ingredient in a homemade jam because its soft and can be easily mushed after simmering it. Its light taste mixes well with Kiwi and ginger in this jam. Serve it on toast or on scones
I pass by the carambolas in the produce aisle almost daily and always pass by them without so much as a second look.
Their colorful and unique shape catches my eye, but, I never thought of using them in any recipe. To me, they have always looked too exotic to be put into a recipe.
This time, however, they were on sale and that got my attention! Them being on sale was a sign that I need to start experimenting with them.
As I made my way home, my mind was excited to try this new fruit.
Will it be sour? Tangy? Sweet? Succulent? Juicy?
Spicy???
Sadly, it was NONE of the above!
My first taste of these star fruit carambola was a slightly disappointing experience.
This fruit turned out to be a fairly bland fruit. It almost has no taste making them a blank slate and can be turned into any flavor I want.
What it lacked in taste, it more than made up in density and texture! This fruit would be great substitute for Tempeh or jack fruit recipes. I think there are so many amazing recipes that could use carambola’s density!
For the longest time, I have been looking for an alternative to jack fruit because I am not a huge fan of it. Carambola just might THE ingredient I have been looking for. Stay tuned for future recipes as I experiment with it.
In the meantime, enjoy this delicious star fruit carambola jam because it turned out really delicious. Kiwi added the tang and ginger added a delicious spice to it! It gave my entire home a nice aroma as I was cooking it.
I put it on the same bread that I used to make my avocado toast recipe. After toasting the bread, I put some vegan butter and then topped it with this star fruit carambola jam!
It felt like I was having breakfast on a beach in Antigua!
That should get your mouth watering!
So, make this amazing jam recipe and come back and tell me what you thought of carambolas!
If you want, you can throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and make the jam in it. I had made a crock pot blueberry jam and it was DELICIOUS! It takes away all the hard work of making jam and the final product is always perfect.
What’s your favorite exotic fruit?
Star Fruit Carambola
Ingredients
- 2 Carambola Light green skin
- 5 Kiwi Slightly firm
- 3/4 cup Vegan Organic Cane Sugar Vegan
- 1 tbsp Vegan Organic Cane Sugar In addition to the 3/4 cup
- 3/4 cup Water
- 1 piece Ginger About the size of a chocolate square, peeled
- 2 drop Orange Extract
- 2 leaves Mint
Instructions
- Cut the carambolas into small star shapes. Doesn’t have to be perfect because they will be mushed
- Cut the kiwi into rounds
- In a stainless steel pan, add all the ingredients
- Heat on medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes
- Be sure to stir frequently.
- When the carambolas can be mushed easily with a spoon, turn of the heat
- Remove the ginger piece and discard it or save it for use in soups
- Using a hand blender, blend until all the ingredients are well blended
- Allow it to cool before storing it in a glass jar with a tight seal
- Serve on toast or scones
I have never tried star fruit, so silly question…. you don’t peel it? Not sure why, but I’m intimidated to try it!
Thank you, Debra. No, no need to peel the skin. I have seen people do it, but, its not necessary. The skin is edible.
I love fruit jams but this one’s quite an interesting mix of ingredients. Healthy, tasty and the texture must be sooo good!
Thank you so much, Ashley! I am really glad to hear that you like it!
I never would have thought of this but it sounds so tropical and amazing! I must try it!
Thank you, Scarlet. I am really happy to hear that. I appreciate your kind words. 🙂