Starfruit
Check out this pile of starfruit from the backyard-- they've been falling from the tree by the dozens. We carefully collect each one and set them on the countertop to finish ripening, watching as they turn a happy golden.
I've tried a number of starfruit recipes, but my favorite is the most simple preparation. Slice a starfruit into thick disks and sprinkle with li hing mui powder. Some people eat their starfruit from the outside in like an apple, to more easily avoid the seeds in the center. That's practical for seed-avoidance, but it makes the application of li hing mui more difficult. Just pluck the seeds out with the tip of a knife or spit them out like you're eating watermelon, then enjoy the starfruit while it's still in season.
hmmm. what does the powder taste like? star fruit is a little too mild for me, but maybe it just needs a dash of li hing mui.... please advise
Hi Alan - Really hard to get starfruit in these parts, I kinda miss them, as well as mountain apple - oh, the puckering tartness!
Eliz, it's difficult to describe the taste of li hing as there's nothing else quite like it. I'll bring you some next week and you can try. Don't hold your breath though-- it's an acquired taste for some.
Kirk, I'm surprised you can't get starfruit. I thought *everything* was available in So. Cal.
I haven't even heard mountain apple in years, I love them. I have only three words for you, jealous, jealous, jealous. Still working on the panna cotta, it's been a bit stormy here so I'm house bound.
Gia- Mountain apples sound good right now. I haven't seen any growing wild since last year sometime, and that was on a very isolated hiking trail. Don't sweat the panna cotta-- you're not beholden to me to make it any time soon!
Hi Alan,
Starfruit are really delicious when eaten plain, or as you have suggested, with li hing mui powder. A friend of mine at work makes preserves with starfruit to give away each year at Christmas time, which works well as a topping for plain vanilla ice cream. Starfruit also make a wonderful sorbet. Try to combine it with passionfruit and just a pinch of li hing mui powder.
Reid, I'm curious about starfruit preserves. I'll need to check around and get ideas on that one. And the sorbet is definitely on my list to make.
Hi Alan, I just discovered your blog from My Epicurean Debauchery. I can't believe star fruit grow in Hawaii! I haven't had a good one since I was last in Asia, about a decade ago. Sometimes I wonder what the heck I'm doing living in cold, foggy San Francisco. Also, I've never heard of li hing mui powder. What sort of store do you think would carry it, as I'd love to sample it.
Yes, not only do starfruit grow, but they produce so many fruit that I startto grumble at all the mess. It pains me to say this, but some rot before I can get to them. Li hing powder *should* be available in Asian supermarketsin the Bay Area, but during my ~15 years in San Jose, I never noticed the stuff. Here in Hawaii, it is carried literally everywhere, including places like Longs Drugs.
How do you cut starfruit to place on a fruit platter?
Martha, gently wash the outside. There's no need to peel the starfruit. Slice it crosswise into slices about 1/4 inch thick, so that each slice has the star shape. You can pick the seeds out with the tip of a knife to make it easier for guests to eat. I hope that helps!
This is a great idea! It only makes sense to add Li Hing Mui powder to fruits that are tart. I know really ripe Star Fruit can be pretty sweet, but if they're not at that stage, can be a little tart, where this might play an interesting counter-flavor. Cool idea!
We like to add it to fresh pineapple slices then freeze it and eat it frozen-cold.
Of course, can't forget putting da' li hing mui seed inside half a lemon. Das' da' hanabaddah dayz classic!
Pomai, another one of my favorite li hing combos is the classic li hing on green apple. That hits the spot.
great recipe! where can you buy li hing mui mix?
Christina, the answer depends on where you live. Around here in Hawaii, li hing is easily found in the asian section of every grocery store, usually among all the "crack seed" (preserved fruits, nuts, etc).
can the peel of the starfruit be eaten with the inside?
Yes, you can totally eat the peel. It's a bit tough, but the flavor is fine and you'll destroy the symmetry of the fruit if you try to remove the peel. Just slice, poke out any seeds and eat. Thanks for taking the time to visit my site!
I found this page while trying to find a place to buy Star Fruit in San Francisco... I am originally from Maui and when I gave a presentation here in class I was shocked that people hadn't had star fruit. I thought it was a rather common fruit! So now I'm on a quest to get some so my classmates can try it.
Aloha!
Dani, I can't remember the source, but recently read that more California farmers have begun growing tropical and Asian fruits in response to increased demand. Maybe try an Asian supermarket? Good luck!
okay......I just bought a star fruit from fresh market and I have no idea how to peel it and/or peel it. Please help
Sarah, no peeling needed. Just slice and serve. Don't eat the seeds
though. -alan
Do you have any idea as to the content of carbohydrates in starfruit?
Alan, I think this is the info you want about carbs and starfruit: http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1858/2. A cup of starfruit contains about 9g of carbs, or 3% of the RDA based on a 2000 calorie diet. Hope that helps!
-alan
I've been really excited to try starfruit for a while and when i figured out that in was in a store near me i was extatic! But when i ate one it tasted like plant...not that i've eaten plant :P it just tasted like one smells...It was ripe and everything! Was it just not ripe enough? it's been about 3 days and the ones i have now are even more yellow with brown on the edges and it smells sweeter than how the other one did, do they have a particular smell when they're ripe?
Meghan, I wonder if that starfruit was picked while it was still green, because it should not taste like plant. The color and brown edges are perfect, but the flavor is not. My recommendation next time you see starfruit for sale: pick a good looking one, break a small cut in the skin with your fingernail and give it a good sniff. It should smell tart and sweet and the same time.