Jamaican Star Apple Fruit

The Jamaican star apple fruit, known as the “meanest fruit” in Jamaica, comes from the Chrysophyllum cainito tree and gets its name from the star-like shape in the middle of the fruit when it’s cut open. But how do we eat it, and what does it taste like?

Star apple, not to be confused with star fruit, is round, oblate, and medium-sized with glossy skin. When ripe, the thick skin can be deep dark purple or green, depending on the variety. The dark purple variety has white pulp with a lavender rim, and the green-skinned fruit has all-white pulp.

The botanical name is Chrysophyllum cainito, and in some places it’s called cainito or caimito. In Jamaica, the star apple is known as the “mean fruit” because it never falls from the tree, even when ripe. Star apples stay on the tree until they are rotten. To get it, you have to pick it. The name star apple comes from the star-shaped pattern you see when you cut the fruit horizontally in half.

The star apple is a tropical fruit native to the Caribbean and thrives in Jamaica. The star apple tree can grow up to 70 feet or more and starts bearing fruit only after 5-6 years.

Star apple season in Jamaica

Star apple season in Jamaica runs from March to June. During this time, you can buy fresh star apples at local markets. The fruit is fairly abundant, but star apple trees are a rarer find than guinep, june plum, or mango trees, which you can find in just about every Jamaican backyard. Though uncommon, the star apple tree is a prolific fruit bearer.

What do Jamaican star apples taste like

Star apples are not very sweet. The sweet taste is usually mild and subtle, though you can sometimes find a purple star apple that is very sweet. Of the two types, the purple star apple is the sweetest. The green star apple can sometimes be so mild that it is almost tasteless.

How to eat star apple

Like most fruits, Jamaicans eat star apples straight from the tree- the best way to eat them, in my opinion. Pick the star apple from the tree (because it will never fall), then burst or cut it open and eat the creamy, jelly-like flesh. The star apple’s thick rind contains latex that makes your lips and the area around your mouth very sticky if you eat the flesh straight from the fruit. Some Jamaicans rub coconut oil on their lips before eating the star apple to keep the latex from making their lips sticky. Also use a spoon to scoop the flesh from the skin to avoid the latex. The star apple skin, rind and seeds are not edible.

Nutritional benefits of star apple

Health benefits of star apple include:

Antioxidants

Research suggests that star apples are high in antioxidants because they contain vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Vitamin C and other antioxidants, such as polyphenols, neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation, and help boost the immune system. Alkaloids in star apples also act as antioxidants and can help control blood sugar levels and work similarly to hypertension drugs to manage blood pressure.

High fibre

The high fibre content in star apple can support healthy digestion and help with weight management. The fibre acts as a prebiotic, a non-digestible plant carbohydrate that passes through the small intestine intact and feeds and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Star apple is known to support healthy bowel movements, helping prevent diarrhoea and treat constipation.

Vitamins and minerals

Star apple is also rich in calcium and potassium, which can aid in strong, healthy bones and teeth. The fruit also provides low amounts of iron, niacin, and thiamine.

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Disclaimer: The author makes no guarantees as to the curative effect of any herb or tonic on this website. No visitor should attempt to use any of the information herein provided as treatment for any illness, weakness, or disease without first consulting a physician or health care provider. Pregnant women should always consult first with a health care professional before taking any treatment