Starfruit is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia) and is now cultivated in warm regions of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Oceania. A true traveler, as some might say.

In Spanish, “carambola” comes from the Portuguese carambola, which in turn comes from the Marathi karambal or karambola in India.

The first thing that catches your attention about starfruit is its unmistakable shape. When sliced crosswise, it reveals a perfect star, making it the star of salads, juices, desserts, and even exotic cocktails. But starfruit is much more than just a pretty fruit; it can be eaten raw, in juices, jams, salads, and even used as decoration in cocktails and gourmet dishes. In some Asian cultures, the leaves and fruits of the starfruit are used to treat fever, cough, and digestive problems.