The carambola (also known as star fruit) is a yellow tropical fruit with an interesting shape, specially when cut into slices because it takes the shape of a star. Today we will talk about it, as you will see it very often in some drinks or dishes in Costa Rica.
It is used to prepare a delicious refreshing drink giving it a bittersweet taste. Or well, when it is ripe it can be eating in slices or made into jam or jelly, or it can be used as decoration in a typical dish.
Its benefits go from a nice flavor to health benefits, as it contains Vitamin A, essential for the sight, good skin conditions, hair, mucous membranes and the good functioning of the immune system. It is said that because of its high water content it is ideal for people looking to lose weight. Also, the vitamin C content helps with the collagen formation, bones and teeth, red blood cells, and resistance to infections.
The carambola comes originally from Indonesia, but it has been introduced in tropical regions with good results, such as the Costa Rican case. Because of its refreshing effect you can easily find it in the supermarket of in local "verdulerías" (local shops specialized in fruits and vegetables of the country).
Carambola juice… Take 4 carambolas (you have to wash them and cut them into pieces first), 1 liter of water, sugar (the amount you like) and ice… and put everything into the blender, then pass it trough a fine strainer. And enjoy!!
"La Carambola" in Samara Beach https://www.facebook.com/lacarambola/
