How to Buy a Carambola

Carambola, most commonly known as star fruit, is an exotic fruit that hails from the from East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is grown today in Florida and California, and shipped throughout the United States. The fruit is a great treat with many uses--that is, when you get it home. First, you must find one. Read on to learn how to buy carambola.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Go to your local chain grocery store. If the produce section is substantial, then the store should carry star fruit. Carambolas are sold most anywhere these days. Just look for Star fruit--you might find them faster that way.
2. Look at the color. The fruit can be varying shades of yellow. Green means that it is not ripe, and brown means over-ripened. Green fruits tend to be sour and sometimes even bitter. Overripe are too sweet and even rotten. Also stay away from fruits that have spots or those with too much brown around the spines.
3. Feel the fruit. It should be firm with a waxy skin. If it is too soft, then choose another. If the skin slides away, then it has been frozen and thawed--steer clear of that fruit. Also reject the star fruit if it is hard.
4. Look online to buy carambola flowers, seeds or plants. For the fruit go to the grocery store as it's the most convenient and inexpensive. You may be able to find a gourmet shop that will ship to your home, but be prepared to pay the price for such a service.