Starry-eyed Starfruit

Ever dream of relaxing on a the shore of a tropical island with sand between your toes, soaking in the suns golden rays, while enjoying juicy tropical island fruit?

While it may not be easy for you to get to a tropical island or find a sunny day, you may be able to find some tropical fruit in your neighborhood grocery store. More recently, I've been seeing cool tropical fruit, like the Starfruit, show up in the local Trader Joes, natural food markets, and of course Whole Foods. So check out the local grocers and see. If they don't have it, talk with the produce manager to see if they can order it or other specialty fruits.

What does it taste like?

Amazing! ^_^ Some people say it tastes like an apple and a pear or peach infused together. I think it has more a light citrus flavor with a hint of Paula Red apple. Basically, it tastes better than candy. :) You have to try it!

When is it ripe?

While some people prefer to eat it with some green, I find that to be too sour for me. I like to eat my starfruit when there's little to no green left, just a good yellow/orange color and when it's just starting to soften. Sometimes the edges will get a little brown from getting bruised from shipping, but that's okay because sweet starfruit is ripe starfruit!

Some health benefits of the Starfruit

*Per 100 grams:

• Low cal with only 31 Calories
• Super hydrating with 91.4 grams of water
• Slimming and satisfying with 2.8 grams of Fiber and only 4 grams of natural fruit sugar

• Low in Fat - only .3 grams
• The fat that's in it is the essential kind: Omega 3 (27mg) and Omega 6 (157mg)
• With 1 gram of Protein, it has all of the essential amino acids and a variety of nonessential ones too

• 34.4mg of Vitamin C = over half (57%) of the Percent Daily Value**
• A wide range of other vitamins, including: B vitamins, Folate, and Vitamin K and more
• High in Potassium (133mg), important in the transportation of serotonin
• A Variety of other minerals, including: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, and more

*Data collected from Nutrition Data at http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1858/2

**For those on a 2000 Calorie diet

So go slice up a juicy ripe starfruit, google "island sunset", lay out a picnic blanket, then stare off into the beautiful sunset while relaxing and enjoying your tropical fruit. :)

–Hummingbird

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