a gold star carambola The carambola is more commonly known as a star fruit because of the shape of the fruit. arambola is packed with nutrients! It is an excellent source of vitamin C . It also contains fiber, folate and antioxidants. Adding more fruit to your diet can reduce your Crisk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Did you know? Shopping, Preparing and FROZEN CARAMBOLA PICKLES The entire fruit is edible, including Storing the waxy outer skin. A ripe carambola will be bright Carambola can be used in sal- yellow with tinges of light green and 1 lb. sm. Carambolas (green ads, sorbets and drinks to add a tart will feel firm. It is normal if there is a or semi-ripe) flavor. brown color along the raised ridges. ½ lb. sm. yellow onions ½ c. white vinegar The carambola is great for eating If your carambola is not ripe, let it right out of hand and does not 1 tsp. salt sit on the counter for a few days. 2 tbsp. water need to be peeled or seeded before The entire carambola can be ¾ c. sugar eating. eaten after washing. Carambola is 90 percent water. 1. Trim brown edges from starfruit and slice crosswise with a Cooking Tips knife, discard seeds. Thinly slice onions. Mix prepared caram- Carambola tastes great raw but bola with onion, salt and water in a 2 quart non-aluminum bowl It is believed that the car- can be used in cooked dishes, too. and let stand 2 hours. Drain, but do not rinse. ambola originated in Sri Toss slices into stir-fry or broil with 2. Return the solids to the bowl, add sugar and vinegar and let Lanka or Indonesia cen- honey and serve atop grilled chicken. stand, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved completely and liquid covers the solids. Pack in freezer turies ago. It is still a very The playful shape of cut carambo- containers, leaving 3/4 to 1 inch head space; popular fruit in Asia, but la makes it perfect for children. Add seal tightly, label and freeze for at least 24 its popularity just recently slices to fruit salad or enjoy alone as hours before defrosting for serving. took off in the US. a snack. FRUITSF VEGETABLES GRAINS DAIRY PROTEIN MaM ke most of your choices Eat a variety every day. Make at least half of your For adults and children 2 Choose lean meat, poultry wwhole or cut fruit instead Fresh, canned or frozen. grains whole grains. years and older, drink 1 without the skin, seafood, oof juice. percent low-fat or fat-free beans and peas, eggs, milk. processed soy or nuts. Living Healthy in Florida is a partnership of the Florida Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Children and Families, Education, Elder Affairs and Health. The partnership provides free nutrition and physical activity education material. If you would like to learn more, visit our website at www.livinghealthyinfl.com. .