Star Apple

Star apples, botanically classified as Chrysophyllum cainito, are rare fruits belonging to the Sapotaceae family. The fruits develop on large and fast-growing, evergreen trees that can reach 6 to 18 meters in height, and are found in tropical to subtropical regions worldwide, often planted along roadsides or in home gardens. Star apples are known by many regional names around the world, including Caimito, Tar apple, Pomme de Lait, Caminito, and Gold Leaf tree, and are primarily viewed as novelty fruit. The soft, juicy fruits are consumed mostly fresh, out of hand, but they can also be incorporated into desserts, salads, and beverages. In Jamaica, besides consuming fresh star fruit, people often mix it with sour orange juice to make delicious and unique juice for dessert. And the awesome recipe is called “matrimony”.

Star apples are small to medium-sized fruits with a spherical to oblate form with an average diameter of 5 to 10 cm. When the fruit is young, the skin is thin, glossy, and leathery; as it ripens, it turns reddish-purple, green, and deep purple. The skin adheres firmly to the rind as well, which has sticky latex that is inedible and varies noncolor depending on the variety. When mature, star apples become fragrant and matte in appearance with occasional creases. It is significant to note that the fruit's 33% skin and rind, which are inedible, should be thrown away. The only part of the fruit eaten is the flesh surrounding the seeds, which has a mild, sweet, and delicate flavor reminiscent of lychee, persimmons, and rambutan.