Preserving Star Fruit Carambola Recipes

PRESERVED STAR FRUIT (AKA FIVE FINGER OR CARAMBOLA)

Steps:

• Remove either end of the fruit and slice into 1/4 - 1/2 inch pieces.
• Place in a large pot and cover with water and add the sugar and spices.
• Bring to a boil and leave to cool for 3 hours. The fruit will soak up the sugar and spices.
• Preheat oven to 150F.
• Drain any liquid off and keep it for something else.
• Place fruit on baking sheets.
• Place in the oven with the door propped open to allow the steam to escape. Turn every hour or so until the fruit is done.
• Store in an airtight container.
• The cooking time is only an estimate, it will vary with how much you drained off, the humidity etc.

PRESERVING STAR FRUIT (CARAMBOLA)

Steps:

• Method 1: Cut off rough edges. Chop into chunks. Puree. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Place into airtight freezer bag, label and date. Use as needed in the future.
• Method 2: Cut off rough edges. Slice (thickness you desire). Lay out on a pan in 1 layer. Sprinkle a little sugar on top. Place pan in freeezer til solid. Place into an airtight freezer bag, label and date. Use as desired in the future.

SWEET STAR FRUIT (CARAMBOLA) RELISH

Steps:

• Wash and thinly slice star fruit, taking care to remove seeds. Cover with cider by vinegar and allow to stand overnight.
• Drain off vinegar. Combine star fruit with sugar and salt. Add cloves; which have been placed in a cheesecloth bag and lightly pounded.
• Cook gently to the consistency of preserves.
• Allow to stand overnight. Remove spice bag and reheat mixture to boiling.
• Pack into hot pint jars. Wipe jar mouths and adjust lids. Process in boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes.
• *Note: when making for long term storage it is probably best to omit the nutmeg if you do not want a dark relish, although it certainly adds to the flavor.

STAR FRUIT (CARAMBOLA) CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well.
• Bring to a simmer over medium high heat and cook 25 minutes
• Use your stick blender to make it smooth and simmer until thickened.

STAR FRUIT (CARAMBOLA) AND GINGER DRINK

Steps:

• Trim the ends and edges of the star fruit.
• Blend star fruit and ginger with water and lime juice then strain (or not, I don't). Add sugar and serve chilled.

STAR FRUIT PIE (CARAMBOLA)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Prepare star fruit (carambolas) by cutting off the edges of the ridges. Remove seeds if you want to do so. Slice in 1/2 inch slices. Combine tapioca and sugar and lightly mix with sliced fruit. If the fruit is very sweet ad 1/4 cup lime juice.
• Line a 9-inch pie pan 1 crust. Spread prepared fruit over pastry. Dot with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with nutmeg. Roll the top crust so it will be large enough to make a good seal. Cut gashes to allow steam to escape. Or cut out stars.
• Bake about 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.

STAR FRUIT PICKLES (CARAMBOLA)

Steps:

• Place carambola slices in glass jar or bowl.
• Make a syrup of sugar, vinegar, and spices. Bring to a boil and pour over carambola slices.
• Let stand overnight in the refrigerator.
• Next day, drain off syrup and bring to a boil.
• Place carambola slices in hot, sterilized jars and pour boiling syrup over, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe jar mouths and adjust lids. Process in boiling water-bath canner 10 minutes.