Malaysian Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) has become very popular due to its sweet taste and health benefits. This fruit is also known as ‘Star Apple’ or ‘Butter Apple’. The fleshy part of the fruit contains lots of nutrients such as Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
The carambola fruit is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. They are usually found at markets during the summer season.
In this article, we will discuss the shelf life of Malaysian Star Fruit in detail.
Also read: Everything You Need To Know About Star fruit.
How long does a Carambola last?
This depends on how you store it. Star fruits should be stored in dry places with low humidity. If they are exposed to high temperatures and moisture, then their shelf life would reduce drastically.
If you want to know more about the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, please visit our other articles:
Fresh star fruit (whole)
- Room temperature: 2 to 5 days or until ripe
- Refrigerator: 5 to 7 days once ripe
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
Freshness is an important factor when it comes to food storage. If you want your fresh fruits to last longer, then make sure that they are stored in a cool place with low humidity.
What is the shelf life of fresh carambola?
It depends on how you store them. Fresh star fruit (Whole) can be stored for up to a week if kept in a refrigerator. It can also be frozen for 6 months. At room temperature, fresh star fruit can be stored for up 5 days.
How do I keep my fresh star fruit from spoiling?
Store star fruit at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate. You can also freeze them after they ripen. Once they have been frozen, you can use them within 12 months.
What is the best way to preserve fresh star fruit?
You can either freeze them or dehydrate them. Dehydrating star fruit is a great option because it preserves all the nutrients inside the fruit.
For more information on how to store carambola, read; How to store star fruit
If you’re more interested in storing fresh fruits and vegetables in general, see; How to Store Fruits and Vegetables.
Fresh star fruits (cut)
- Refrigerator: 3 to 4 days
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
Cutting star fruit before freezing helps retain the flavor and texture. However, the shelf life will be shorter compared to whole star fruit.
How long does cut star fruit last?
Cut star fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Frozen star fruit can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 year.
How do I store cut star fruit?
To extend its shelf life, keep carambola fruit in the fridge until ready to eat. You can also freeze it for later consumption.
Carefully wrap the cut star fruit in plastic wrap, or aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator, or freezer. Make sure that the container is sealed well so that the fruit doesn’t get contaminated.
Dried star fruit
- Shelf Life: 12 months
Star fruit has a very short shelf life. The best way to preserve it is by drying it. This method allows us to enjoy the fruit’s natural sweetness without having to add sugar.
Like our other freeze-dried fruits, our starfruits are often added to smoothies, cereals, desserts, and trail mixes.
How long does dried carambola last?
Dried star fruit can be stored for up to one year depending on the conditions. In the freezer, it should be stored in an airtight container and can last for several years.
How to store dried star fruit?
The best way to store dried star fruit is to put them in a dark, dry place. They can be stored for up to one year.
To prolong its shelf life, You can keep it in the refrigerator or freezer. However, you must put it in a waterproof freezer bag or airtight container to prevent moisture from getting inside the package.
How do I dry starfruit?
The easiest way to dry star fruit is using a dehydrator. For detailed instructions, check out our article on how to dehydrate fruits and vegetables.
Can I rehydrate dried star fruit?
Yes! Star fruit can be rehydrated by soaking it in water overnight. Then drain off any excess liquid and serve.
How do I know if the star fruit has gone bad?
The color of the fruit is one of the first signs that it has gone bad. The flesh may turn brown or black. Also, the skin may become soft and mushy.
Whole star fruit can only be stored for a couple of weeks before it becomes overrun by mold and spoils. Contamination causes star fruits to be less desirable than they would otherwise be. They lose their bright colors, textures, odors, and flavors, and even turn brownish.
How do I prevent my star fruit from getting moldy?
Mold growth can be prevented by keeping the fruit away from sources of moisture such as humidity, condensation, and wet surfaces. Dried star fruit should be stored in dry conditions.
For fresh star fruit, you need to store it in a refrigerator or freezer. It’s important to make sure that the fruit stays cold enough to slow down the process of spoilage. Star fruit should never be left out for a long time. This could cause the fruit to rot quickly.
Tips
When you buy star fruit, look out for those that are still green. It is always better to buy fresh fruits and vegetables rather than buying them pre-packaged. Pre-packed fruits and vegetables may contain preservatives which could affect the flavor of the fruit/vegetable.
Make sure you wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Eating unwashed fruits will expose you to bacteria and parasites.
To learn more about the shelf life and preservation of fruits and vegetables, check out these links:
FAQs
How do you keep starfruit fresh?
Starfruit is very perishable. You have to eat it within a few days after purchase. If you want to preserve it longer, you can freeze it.
What is the difference between fresh and frozen starfruit?
Frozen starfruit is not as sweet as fresh starfruit. Frozen starfruit also tends to be softer than fresh starfruit.
Should star fruit be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is best used to extend the shelf life of star fruit. Refrigerating star fruit helps to slow down the process that leads to decay.
Does star fruit go bad when they get old?
Yes, star fruit does go bad when it gets too ripe. Ripe star fruit loses its sweetness and color. The texture also changes and the skin turns dark. Rotten star fruit also has an unpleasant odor. The flesh may smell like ammonia.
Can I eat star fruit that has gone bad?
You cannot eat rotten star fruit. If you see any sign of spoilage on the surface of the fruit, then it is already too late. The fruit should be thrown away immediately.
