The star fruit makes perfect stars when cut crosswise. It is usually yellow-green to orange in color and contains small seeds. Its flesh has a flavor like a tart plum. It is sometimes called a carambola.

Select firm, shiny star fruit without a lot of brown on the skin.

Ripen on the counter until they have a fruity smell. Then refrigerate for up to a week.

Use a knife to cut the fruit across the broad side, dividing it into star-shaped slices. The skin is edible. Star fruit can be enjoyed plain, in a salad, as a garnish, or cooked.

Fat free, cholesterol free, sodium free, good source of dietary fiber, excellent source of vitamin C.