Star Fruit (Carambola)
Fruit
Age Suggestion
6 months
Iron-Rich
No
Common Allergen
No
When can babies have star fruit?
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.
How do you serve star fruit to babies?
Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.
6 months old +:
Serve star-shaped slices of the ripe fruit by cutting the fruit crosswise; make sure to remove the skin and seeds before offering to baby. The slices should be thick enough that they don’t flop over when baby holds them. Because raw star fruit is firm, it can be difficult for babies to consume, so don’t worry if baby doesn’t get much food in the belly and spits out much of the fruit. Alternatively, cook peeled, de-seeded star fruit until soft, then serve mashed or as thick star sections for baby to self-feed.
9 months old +:
Serve star-shaped slices of ripe fruit, skin and seeds removed. At this age, you can cut the slices a bit thinner, which may yield a bit more consumption and a bit less spitting, although many babies will continue to spit pieces of the fruit out. Alternatively, cooked peeled, de-seeded star fruit until soft, then offer mashed on its own or mixed into other foods.
18 months old +:
Continue offering ripe star fruit in thin slices, or cut the slices into flat bite-sized pieces for the child to pick up. Make sure all seeds are removed, but at this age you can leave the skin on or remove it. Serve cooked, soft star fruit as desired.
Videos
Is star fruit a choking hazard for babies?
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.
Is star fruit a common allergen?
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.
Is star fruit healthy for babies?
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.
Does baby need a high chair?
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.
How do I calm my own nerves around starting solids?
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.
Our Team
Written by
Dr. Rachel Ruiz
Pediatrician & pediatric gastroenterologist
Dr. Sakina Bajowala
Pediatrician & pediatric allergist/immunologist
Kim Grenawitzke
Pediatric occupational therapist, feeding & swallowing specialist, international board-certified lactation consultant
Venus Kalami
Pediatric registered dietitian & nutritionist
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