Belimbing / Belimbing Sweet is a typical fruit-shaped fruit plant originating from Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. Currently, starfruit has spread throughout Southeast Asia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Peru, Ghana, Guyana, Tonga, and Polynesia. Commercial cultivation is done in the United States, in South Florida and Hawaii. In Indonesia, this fruit became an icon of the city of Depok, West Java, since 2007.
This tree has compound leaves that can reach 50 cm long, pink flowers that generally appear at the end of the limb. This tree is branched up and can grow up to 5 m. Unlike other tropical plants, star fruit does not require much sun. The spread of starfruit tree is very wide, because the seed is spread by bats.
Star fruit yellowish green. When newly grown, the fruit is green. If cut, this fruit has a star-shaped cross section. Small seeds and brown. This fruit is crunchy when eaten, it tastes sweet and slightly sour. This fruit contains many vitamin C.
One type of starfruit, called belimbing wuluh, is often used for cooking spices, especially to give a sour taste to the cuisine.
One area that is famous for starfruit production is Demak, Central Java. Belimbing Demak is famous for its big size, bright yellow color and sweet taste.
This fruit has many juices (water), making it possible to make fruit wine. In Myanmar, starfruit is used to make pickled tea.
People who have problems with their kidneys should avoid the consumption of these fruits because they contain oxalic acid. Juice made from starfruit is more dangerous because of its higher acid concentration.
People who have high cholesterol or diabetics should also avoid this fruit, because of its high sugar content.
