Star Fruit (Carambola)

Star fruit (carambola) may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Native to Southeast Asia, star fruit grows on trees in tropical climates around the world, where it goes by different names—balimbing, fuang, kamaranga, kamrakh, or ma fen to name a few. The fruit’s anglicized name hints at a common preparation: when cut crosswise, the slices resemble stars. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked in savory or sweet preparations, from fresh chutneys and preserved pickles, to fish soups and vegetable stews, to iced drinks or simple salads of sliced star fruit dusted with salt and spice.

Yes. Star fruit offers carbohydrates, fiber, and fluid, in addition to potassium, vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants. Together, these nutrients support energy for play and exploration, digestive function, hydration, electrolyte balance, skin health, immune function, and iron absorption. The antioxidants in star fruit may also help reduce inflammation and protect against disease.

Star fruit can be high in oxalates, which are generally harmless in most individuals when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet. However, it may cause health concerns if consumed in excess, or if an individual has an existing kidney condition. Sweet star fruit contains significantly less oxalates and is typically larger, while sour star fruit contains more oxalate and is smaller in size. If a child has a kidney condition or takes certain medications, talk to their pediatric health care provider before introducing star fruit.

★Tip: How to know if a star fruit is ripe? A star fruit is ripe when most of its skin has transitioned from green to yellow and it has a sweet smell.

No. Star fruit is not a common allergen, though, in theory, one can be allergic to any food.

Although not commonly reported, some people may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) when eating star fruit. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few times. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes. Star fruit, especially when underripe, is firm and slippery, which are qualities that pose an increased risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve star fruit in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and gagging and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

While a high chair can help create a safe eating environment, there are alternative ways for baby to eat safely, such as holding the child on your lap or sitting together on the floor. For more information, see our article on high chairs.

Knowledge and practice with rescue maneuvers. Parents and caregivers who watch the choking and rescue videos in our Starting Solids bundle often share how confident they feel.