Belimbing

FruitStarfruitCrunchy

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Belimbing

FruitStarfruitCrunchy

Distinctive for its star shape when cut. Commonly known as starfruit. Offers a crisp texture and refreshing sweet-tart taste.

Known worldwide as 'starfruit' because of the beautiful star shape revealed when sliced horizontally, this fruit offers a delightful crunchy, crisp texture and a juicy, refreshing sweet-tart flavor. Its visually appealing shape makes it widely used as a garnish, in desserts, and for juices. Rich in water content, it's a wonderfully thirst-quenching and refreshing tropical fruit.

Types and Taste Differences of Belimbing

There are broadly two types of Belimbing. One is the sweet variety, 'Belimbing Manis,' eaten raw as fruit. When ripe, it turns yellow and offers a refreshing sweetness similar to apples or pears. The other is the extremely sour variety, 'Belimbing Wuluh' (also known as bilimbi). This type is unsuitable for eating raw; its intense sourness is utilized as a natural souring agent in Indonesian soups and stews. Historically, it was even used as a cleaning agent for brassware. It's important to know which type you are getting when purchasing.

How to Eat and Use

The sweet Belimbing Manis is best enjoyed chilled and eaten as is. The skin is edible, but trimming off the hard edges (ridges) improves the texture. Sliced, it adds a lovely visual and textural accent to salads. It's also popular blended into fresh juice. In Indonesia, thinly sliced Belimbing is sometimes cooked down with sugar to make a preserved sweet snack called 'Manisan,' similar to candied fruit.

Health Benefits and Precautions

Belimbing is rich in Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties and benefits for skin health. It also contains significant potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by flushing excess sodium from the body. However, it is high in oxalic acid, so individuals with kidney disease or undergoing dialysis should avoid consuming it. Even healthy individuals should refrain from eating excessive amounts at one time.