Also known as the caimito or cainito, the White Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito blanco) is a round white skinned fruit named for the star-shaped pattern formed by its seeds. The fruits are very sweet, with a pulpy, jelly-like texture and a taste some compare to applesauce with hints of tropical fruits and grape. While the fruit is mainly enjoyed in Latin America, it is grown on a limited scale in South Florida and Hawai’i, where you may be lucky enough to find it on fruit stands or at farmers’ markets.
Only the inside flesh of the star apple can be eaten because the skin is filled with white, sticky latex that irritates the mouth and throat. To prepare a star apple, slice the fruit in half and scoop out the seeds in the center. After the seeds are removed, simply scoop out the inside flesh with a spoon. Some fruits may have more latex than others; you can avoid any residual latex in the flesh by chilling the fruit before eating.
Ripe fruits can be stored whole in the refrigerator for several days, but unripe fruits should be stored on the counter — if they are refrigerated before they are fully ripe, they won’t ever ripen fully.
Star apples are sometimes used to top desserts and can be mixed into fruit salad. One Jamaican fruit salad is named matrimony for the way it marries the sweet flavors of star apple and citrus.
While the fruit can be made into a jam, home cooks sometimes encounter difficulties with the latex in the fruit, which interferes with natural pectin.
– Star apple contains much vitamin C and antioxidants.
– Star apple has high fiber and low calorie, which helps to lose weight effectively.
– Star apple is considered as the tradition remedies in some countries, seeds are taken advantage of reducing fever and treat diarrhea, leaves are used to reduce laryngitis and pneumonia.
Besides, Star apple can be eaten as well as is used for cooking into many beneficial dishes such as:
– Star apple with bubble sweet gruel has sweet and cool taste, it provides a lot of nutrition not only builds strong bones but also prevents fat in the body.
– Star apple smoothie has a wonderful flavor, easy to drink and good for health.
– Star apple beams with the main ingredients is star apple mixed with milk and ice is a cooling drink, suitable for refreshments on summer days.