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.

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.

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 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.