STAR OF THE SHOW – CARAMBOLA OR STAR FRUIT

“Aamhi Karmarkar" literally means - ‘We are Karmarkar’; only recently I learnt about the legend behind my family name. The clipping (above) in Marathi tells the story of a Brahmin/ Bhat relocating to Goa during the regime of the Peshwas. He was resting under a Karmari tree, when soldiers on horseback stopped and asked him his identity. Unwilling to disclose his real name, when a fruit from the tree fell in his lap, he said he was ‘Karmarkar’

This oblong fruit has 5 sharp ridges, is firm and green and very sour till it ripens to a stunning yellow and sweetens in taste. The fruit can be eaten raw or processed in various recipes.

Juice it, Jam it, Jelly it or ... Just eat it raw!

• Rich in Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and Potassium, it boosts the immune system.

• It helps with weight management due to its high fibre, antioxidants, and low calorie content; a single star fruit contains just about 38.4 calories.

• It may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol.

• It provides a good amount of dietary fibre.

**It is also used in traditional medicine, though consuming it in large quantities is not advised as it contains oxalates and neurotoxins.

The tree bears gorgeous small 5 petal flowers in white-pink-mauve shades

The fruits are brilliantly camouflaged among the pointy leaves.

The star fruit is known by several names in India, including Kamrak or Kamrakh (Hindi), Aanappulinchakka or Chathurapuli (Malayalam), Kamaranga (Odia), and Tamarta (Telugu). In Indonesia it is called belimbing and in France the tree is called carambolier.

We’ve had a massive harvest of star fruit this year and we’ve been experimenting with various recipes to cater to sweet-sour-spicy taste buds.

Here are some recipes that our guests have enjoyed...

1. Eat it Raw – slice into stars, sprinkle salt, pepper or chaat masala
   

2. Drink it as juice – makes a refreshing drink by itself or as a mixer

• Wash and clean the fruit

• Remove the hard ridges and deseed

• Chop roughly and whizz in a mixer

• Strain and add a pinch of salt n sugar to taste

3. Star fruit Chutney / Tokku – 3 star fruits

• Dry roast a few red chillies, set aside

• Dry roast Urad dal (1 tbspn), set aside

• Wash, clean ridges and deseed the fruits and then puree them

• Blend in the roasted red chillies, urad dal and a 1” piece of ginger

• Heat a pan, add 1 tbsn cooking oil a few red chillies

• Add 1 tspn mustard seeds and a few curry leaves

• Add the blended puree when the mustard seeds splatter, cook till the mixture turns a darking red/ brown and most of the water dries out.

• Enjoy this with parathas, curd rice or even as an accompaniment to pakoras

Here are some recipes that our friends have cooked up after enjoying plucking fresh fruit off the tree

Star Fruit Jam / Relish By: Sharmila Nisudan

Star Fruit Jam / Relish

Ingredients

• Star fruit: 150g (washed, cored, and grated)

• Grain sugar: 75g

• Fresh lemon juice: 15 ml

Method

1. Cook the fruit -Place the grated star fruit and sugar together in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously.

2. Add lemon juice -As the mixture comes to a gentle boil (around 20–25 minutes), add lemon juice. Reduce the flame to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.

3. Check the texture -Continue simmering until the mixture thickens and begins to bind together. You’ll notice it’s no longer watery and starts to look glossy.

4. Cool, without stirring -Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Do not stir during cooling—this helps it set naturally.

5. Set & enjoy -Once cooled, the jelly will firm up with a delicate, fruity tang. Spoon it into a clean jar or dish, and it’s ready to relish with toast, pancakes, or desserts.
   

Tip: For an extra dimension, you can infuse a small cinnamon stick or a few basil leaves during simmering, then remove them before cooling.

Star Fruit Jelly/ Jam By: Bomi Patell

Star Fruit Jelly/ Jam

Ingredients:

• Star fruit 1.25 kgs

• Sugar 750 gms

• Water 3.5 litres

• Lemons 2 nos

• Cinnamon powder ¼ tspn

Method: 1. Clean and trim the star fruit

2. Chop rough, making sure you remove seeds

*do not use a blender if you want jam, blend it if you want jelly

3. Cook till tender.

4. Add sugar and cook till thick

5. Add lemon juice and cinnamon powder and a pinch of salt

6. Prepare the bottles and sterilise with hot water

7. Fill in the jam/ jelly when it is luke warm

8. Close the lid, when fully at room temperature

9. Keep refrigerated for 3 days before consumption

Enjoy!