When Is Star Fruit In Season

Star fruit, also known as carambola, has many common names in other regions. It is an exotic tropical fruit that originates from Southeast Asia. This bright yellow, star-shaped fruit is quickly recognizable by its distinctive ridges and sweet-tart flavor.

Though star fruit is grown year-round in tropical and subtropical regions of Sri Lanka, there is a peak harvest season when trees produce the highest ripe, juicy fruit yields. These are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients.

In most areas, star fruit is considered in October and December seasons. Several factors contribute to star fruit ripening during the fall months, and it can change from year to year.

Warm temperatures, high humidity, and rainy weather provide ideal growing conditions for carambola trees to bloom and fruit. Green starfruit takes 3-6 months to ripen on the tree to a bright yellow color.

In our guide, you can learn more about when Star Fruit is in season and ready to pick from the Averrhoa carambola tree. By the end, you’ll better understand how to spot when Star Fruit is in season and ready to harvest. (Read When Are Acorn Squash Ripe)

What is Star Fruit?

Star fruit, also known as carambola, is a bright yellow, exotic fruit shaped like a star when cut crosswise. Its scientific name is Averrhoa carambola, and it is native to Southeast Asia.

Star fruit has a tart, sour flavor, making it perfect for fruit salads, garnishes, and juices. When ripe, it will be a bright yellow and may have a slightly waxy skin. The flesh inside is crunchy and juicy with an oxalic acid taste, similar to green apples or tart pear.

Botanically speaking, you can find fruit within the berries category. Also, the starfruit contains enough oxalic acid to cause a decline in renal function in people with kidney disease.

When is Star Fruit in Season?

Star fruit is a tropical and subtropical fruit, so it thrives best in warm climates. In tropical areas, star fruit can be harvested multiple times per year.

However, even in ideal growing conditions, there is still a peak harvest season for high-quality, flavorful star fruit.

The star fruit harvest season varies slightly by location but runs from October to December in most places. Some areas may harvest ripe star fruit as early as September or as late as January. The harvest season only lasts a few months.

What Causes Star Fruit to be In Season?

Star fruit is considered in season when the carambola trees produce their ripest, best-tasting fruit. Several factors play a role in achieving optimal ripeness:

• Climate – Warm temperatures, high humidity, and rainy weather produce the highest quality star fruit during the growing season. The trees thrive best in zones 10-12.
• Age of tree – Carambola trees start producing fruit after about 4-5 years. Mature trees between 10-40 years old will yield the most abundant harvests.
• Flowering and pollination – The small pink/purple flowers bloom continuously on the tree throughout the year in tropical climates. But peak flowering occurs in summer, allowing fruit to ripen by early fall.
• Time on the branch – Green unripe star fruit takes 3-6 months to mature and ripen on the tree. Leaving fruit on the branches longer ensures the best flavor.

What Changes as Star Fruit Ripens?

Unripe green star fruit gradually transforms over several months into the bright yellow-orange ripe fruit. Here are the signs that star fruit is fully ripe and ready for picking:

• Skin turns completely yellow with a waxy surface
• Fruit feels slightly soft when squeezed
• The fruity aroma becomes noticeable
• Flavor changes from very sour to tart-sweet
• The ribs of the star shape become more pronounced

Once ripe, star fruit should be harvested promptly. If left on the tree too long, it will become overripe and lose quality.

How is Star Fruit Harvested and Sold?

Commercial star fruit orchards often gently twist or clip the ripe fruit from the branches by hand to avoid bruising. Causing damage can lead to quick spoilage. The fragile fruit must remain intact to retain its signature star shape.

After harvest, ripe star fruit lasts only 2-3 weeks if kept at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend shelf life slightly longer. Star fruit sold fresh in grocery stores will usually come from local sources since it doesn’t ship well over long distances.

Unripe fruit will still be mostly green before they turn dark yellow in color and turn yellow, which is lighter as they ripen and are usually harvested. (Read Green Fruit With The Longest Name)

Is StarFruit Carambola Easy to Grow at Home?

While grown in tropical or southern parts, gardeners can grow productive carambola trees in their backyard with the right climate and care. Here are some key tips for growing star fruit yourself:

• Select a cultivar suited for your region
• Plant in well-draining soil with good sun exposure
• Use a soaker hose around the tree for long-term tree care.
• Fertilize 3 times per year and water regularly
• In the first 2 or 3 three years, you can expect 10 to 40 pounds of fruit!
• Protect young trees from frost damage
• Prune to shape and maintain health
• Use a foliar spray when required

Growing star fruit trees outside the ideal zone (10-12) will be more challenging, but using a greenhouse can help create better conditions. A mature tree can produce over 200 pounds of fruit per year!

Nursery carambola trees are grown in 3-gallon containers until around 2 to 4 ft, then planted in soil. Also, carambola trees grow fast and can be invasive in some regions.

Many types of carambolas exist, yet trees grown in containers should be kept away from other trees. In addition, control is necessary, and they shouldn’t be planted near homes as roots can spread 20 to 30 feet and trees 20 to 25 feet high in a few years after planting. (Learn How Far To Plant Fruit Trees Apart)

Growing Problems

Your home-grown carambola tree may suffer from micronutrient deficits in soil with a pH level above 7, with best growth and tree health coming from grounds with a pH of 4.5 being ideal.

Carambola trees, flowers, and fruit are intolerant to cold temperatures. Carambola fruit production halts at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Young leaves may wither at 30-32 degree temps. Young trees, mature leaves, and junior branches can be killed at temperatures between 25 and 29 degrees.

Pests

Scale insects are a common problem for carambola as they attack leaves and twigs. Two different weevils also visit. The diaprepes weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) can induce root and shoot dieback and damage roots before tree death.

Disease

Several fungal leaf spot infections are typical of fungi, including Cercospora averrhoa. They serve as a warning your tree is under stress. Contact your local agricultural extension office for confirmation and treatment information if your tree suffers from algal rust.

Although anthracnose fruit rot is not unusual, you will typically initially notice anthracnose leaf spots.

Finally, excessively damp soil conditions might lead to Pythium fungus-caused root rot. Although there is no cure for fungal root rot after it has invaded the star fruit tree, some soil mycorrhizae appear to assist in protecting plants against the disease.

Note: Reduced leaf size and yellowing can be caused by iron deficiency or manganese deficiencies.

What are the Best Uses for Star Fruit?

This versatile tropical fruit adds a unique sweet-tart pop of flavor and fun garnish to many dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to enjoy star fruit:

• Fresh in fruit salads – The crunchy texture pairs well with other fruits
• Juiced – Star fruit juice has a tangy tropical flavor
• Smoothies – Blend with yogurt or milk for a refreshing treat
• Salsas & Chutneys – Adds a sweet and tart zing when diced up
• Jam: The fruits can also be made into jam.
• Dessert garnish – Remove the seeds and use as a garnish when sliced stars are placed on cakes or tarts
• Cocktails & Mocktails – Muddle into drinks for a citrusy kick

When eating fresh, remove the small seeds tucked into the ridges before serving. And don’t eat high amounts of unripe star fruit because of the oxalic acid content. (Read 7 Berries That Look Like Blueberries)

FAQs About Star Fruit Season

When does star fruit come into season?

The star fruit harvest season typically runs from October through December in tropical climates. Peak ripeness occurs during these fall and early winter months annually.

How can you tell when star fruit is ripe?

When ripe, the delicious fruit may be light to dark yellow with waxy skin. Gently pressing, the fruit will feel slightly soft and emit a fruity tropical aroma. The flavor will be tart-sweet when ready to eat.

Can you grow star fruit year-round?

When grown in warm, humid climates, star fruit can produce fruit nearly year-round. However, the peak season for the best quality is still during the typical fall harvest time, even in tropical areas.

Where is most star fruit grown?

Primary commercial production occurs in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and parts of Australia, Hawaii, Florida, and California. It also grows well in many tropical parts of Central and South America.

How long is star fruit good for after picking?

Fresh, ripe star fruit lasts only 2–3 weeks at room temperature. Refrigeration extends the shelf life a little longer. Dried and frozen star fruit can be stored for several months.