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Is it Necessary to Peel Star Fruit Before Freezing?

To eliminate the bitterness of an unpeeled tamarind, it is essential to understand the role of its peel. The peel contains high levels of polyphenols, which contribute to the sour and astringent taste. While some recipes call for the tamarind to be peeled before cooking, this is not always necessary. A simple solution to mitigate the bitterness is to soak the tamarind in water for a few hours or even overnight. This process allows the polyphenols to leach out, resulting in a more mellow flavor. Thus, retaining the nutritional benefits and unique taste of tamarind without the unpleasant bitterness.

Administrator

17 July, 2024

The star fruit, also known as carambola, adds a tangy twist to your summer dishes. Unripe, it has a bitter and sour taste, but as it ripens, it transforms into a sweet and refreshing treat, packed with 86% water and a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C for effective cooling.

Star fruit season typically spans from May to August annually, with late June to early July being the prime time for harvesting, preservation, and culinary delights. To enjoy star fruit throughout the year, store them in your refrigerator.

To avoid bitterness in your cooked dishes, it’s advisable to peel and freeze the fruit beforehand. Refrain from freezing them with the peel on, as this may result in a mushy texture and hygiene concerns. If you’d rather not peel them yourself, there are specialized services available for star fruit peeling. In case you opt to keep the peel on, ensure you thoroughly wash the fruit before cooking.

When selecting star fruit, look for freshly picked ones with intact, bright green stems, thick flesh, and slightly rough skin. Avoid fruit with bruises, dents, or signs of immaturity. Young star fruit have pale green skin and soft seeds, while overly ripe ones have large seeds and thin flesh. For extended preservation, store star fruit with lemons in separate bags in your refrigerator.

Due to its high acidity, star fruit may not be suitable for individuals with digestive issues, stomach ailments, or colon problems. It’s recommended to refrain from consuming star fruit on an empty stomach, as it may induce an uncomfortable, growling sensation. Infants under one year of age should also limit their intake of star fruit.

Delicious Star Fruit Dishes

Duck Braised in Star Fruit Sauce

In Northern Vietnamese cuisine, duck braised in star fruit sauce is a beloved dish. The combination of duck meat, which has a cooling property, along with unripe star fruit, and either cassava or taro, creates a mouthwatering, savory, and luscious meal. To prepare, clean and season the duck with salt and ginger to neutralize any odors. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces and marinate for about an hour to infuse flavor.

After marination, briefly stir-fry the duck to seal in the juices, then add water and star fruit. Braise the duck over low heat for approximately 15 minutes, then add the cassava or taro and continue braising until tender and infused with flavor. Finally, add a touch of coconut milk to create a delectable, mildly sour, and creamy dish.

Star Fruit Preserved in Syrup

Star fruit preserved in syrup makes for a refreshing summer drink when served with ice. The syrup takes on a delightful sweet and sour taste. When selecting star fruit for this purpose, opt for semi-ripe ones with a pale green color, thick flesh, slightly rough skin, and fresh stems.

To prevent fermentation and scum formation, sterilize all equipment (blanch the star fruit quickly, rinse jars with boiling water and let them air dry, and cook the syrup and allow it to cool). Use a clean spoon each time you serve the syrup and fruit.

Pork Rib Soup with Star Fruit

In Northern Vietnamese households, pork rib soup with star fruit is a familiar and comforting dish. The ribs are simmered until tender, falling off the bone, absorbing the subtle sourness of the star fruit, and infused with the aroma of spring onions and celery, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.

Pork Knuckle Cooked in Star Fruit Sauce

For this dish, start by cleaning and removing the hair from the pork knuckle, then rub it with salt to neutralize any odors, and rinse thoroughly. Cut it into manageable pieces and blanch in boiling water to remove any impurities. Prepare a caramel sauce by heating sugar until it turns brown, then add star fruit, garlic, shallots, chilies, and water, bringing it to a boil. Season with soy sauce, fish sauce, pepper, and the caramel sauce, stirring gently to dissolve the seasonings. Once it boils, add the prepared pork knuckle and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.