How to Preserve Star Fruit

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 8, 2021 References

Star fruit (also known as also known as carambola) is delicious and high in Vitamin C. Unfortunately, it is also highly perishable once harvested--especially after it has been shipped thousands of miles. However, you might not intend to eat your fruit immediately. Instead, you can freeze or can your fruit in order to preserve it.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Slicing the Star Fruit

1
Use only ripe fruit. Ripe fruit has yellow skin and a waxy texture. It should feel soft but not squishy. Avoid fruit that has brown spots.^{[1]
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Research source} Do not wash the fruit until after you have sliced it.
2
Remove the rough edges of the fruit. Using a fruit or vegetable peeler, glide the blade away from you along the raised edges. The skin should slide off easily.

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3
Cut the remaining flesh of the star fruit into small chunks. Do this by using a paring knife to slice along the concave creases of the fruit. Be careful to avoid cutting completely through the fruit. The slices will separate easily once you have sliced into all the creases.^{[2]
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4
Remove the seeds. Holding one slice with both hands, gently move your thumbs in opposite directions. The slice should easily come apart into two pieces.
- You will find the seed packet along the edge facing you.
- Gently pull the packet out from the top down.
- Repeat this process with the remaining slices.^{[3]
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5
Wash the fruit. First, spray the slices with cold water. Then, soak them in distilled water for about two minutes. Soap, detergent, and other cleaners are toxic if swallowed and should be avoided--especially on sliced fruit!^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Freezing the Star Fruit

1
Purée the fruit pieces. This can be done in a blender on the "purée" setting. If you are using a food processor, use the lower setting. Stop the blender or food processor when the mixture has become smooth but still thick. Do not let it liquefy too much.
2
Pour the purée into ice cube trays. Store the trays in the freezer. Allow the purée to freeze for at least 24 hours.
3
Remove the frozen cubes and place into an airtight freezer bag. Write "Star Fruit" and the date on the outside of the bag. Tropical fruits tend to keep for about three months in the freezer.^{[5]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Making Star Fruit Jam

1
Blend the fruit in a blender or food processor. Use a low setting until you get the desired texture. For chunky jam, set the food processor or blender to a "chop" setting. If you prefer a smoother texture, set the food processor or blender to a "purée" setting.
2
Cook the mixture. In a saucepan, simmer the mixture over a low heat. Watch it closely until it begins to sizzle. Stir regularly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
3
Add 6 cups (1.35 liters) of sugar. Allow it to liquefy. Then, bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil.
4
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting on the stove top. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes.^{[6]
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Research source} Remove the saucepan from the hot burner.
- If desired, add pectin. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
5
Can the jam for storage. Official guidelines recommend storing canned preserves in a dry, dark place between 50 and 70 degrees F (about 10 to 21 degrees C).
- Unopened canned preserves usually remain safe to eat for about a year.
- Store opened jars in the refrigerator and eat them within one month.
- Keep the temperature in the fridge at no higher than 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).^{[7]
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  Trustworthy Source
  National Center for Home Food Preservation
  Publicly-funded center dedicated to educating consumers about research-backed safety practices for preserving food
  Go to source}

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Using the Preserved Fruit

1
Add the frozen purée to drinks or soft foods. Cool a glass of water or fruit juice with two or three frozen cubes. Spice up a frozen margarita with a few cubes. Add them to your favorite ingredients for smoothies or milkshakes. The frozen purée can also be mixed into homemade baby food.
2
Use the jam as a spread or topping. Slather a spoonful of jam on your toast. Turn "PB&J" into "PB&SF" by adding the star fruit jam to a peanut butter sandwich. Add a dollop of jam to your oatmeal as a healthy substitute for sugar.
3
Make star fruit mousse. Follow the instructions in wikiHow's article on how to make lemon mousse. Replace the lemon zest and lemon juice with the star fruit jam. Enjoy!

Community Q&A

Question

Do I refrigerate a star fruit, or keep it at room temperature?

Community Answer

You can refrigerate it, but it cannot be at a temperature that is too low. Star fruit is a fruit with a high water content, therefore, it has a short shelf life.
Question

Can I use the remaining seeds to plant a tree?

Community Answer

It depends on the climatic conditions of your country. Star fruit is a tropical fruit so it requires a tropical climate. If you don't live in an appropriate environment, the tree might still grow, but it won't bear fruit.