Carambola, also called star fruit, is a tropical fruit named for the five-pointed star shape seen when it is sliced crosswise. It is native to Southeast Asia, likely originating in the Malay Archipelago (Indonesia and Malaysia), and is now grown throughout the tropics, including China, India, and parts of Central and South America.
Ripe carambola has a thin, edible yellow-green to golden-yellow skin and a crisp, juicy texture, with a flavor that blends sweet and tart notes of citrus and apple.
It is used in both sweet and savory dishes: in Malaysia and Indonesia it appears pickled and in the fruit-and-vegetable salad rojak; elsewhere in Southeast Asia it is added to stir-fries, curries, and chutneys. Outside Asia it shows up in juices, sorbets, preserves, and salads.
Carambola pairs well with chicken, pork, and seafood, and with tropical fruits like mango and coconut.