Star Apple-Caimito – Healthier Steps

Star Apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away- we all must know that aphorism. But in today’s article, it isn’t about the apple you may think of.

You see the title but how many of you actually know this fruit? If you do then, you get a high five! You get one and you munching on a snack gets one too. Yes, Oprah Winfrey style!

Today, we are going to share with you some interesting facts about Star Apple! And for my other h-steppers, who have no clue about this fruit, don’t worry by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be well acquainted- like you never missed a beat with knowing this fruit.

What Is Star Apple?

Just a side note, I know the Caribbean nature in some of you will cheer, I know I did. The tropically grown tree is a part of the Sapotaceae family, where it produces a sweet exotic fruit that has a similar shape to an apple and a star-shaped interior as its pulp; hence, the name star apple.

What Does It Look Like?

Well, it is round just like an apple, with a green or purple- sometimes dark purple- smooth skin. The interior has a star-shaped thick pulp that is light purple or milky white (sometimes brimmed with purple) for the fruit with the purple skin, while a star-shaped cream/white pulp for the green skin ones.

They have about 7-10 dark brown seeds that are about 2 cm in height and smooth. The tree can grow up to 15 feet or a bit more in height and a trunk with nearly one meter in diameter. This is for my Jamaicans- ever heard someone say “Gweh! U mean like star apple!” ever wondered why they compared stinginess with the fruit?

Well, it surrounds the notion of star apples hardly ever falling from its tree. They must be handpicked with precision because the fruit behaves ‘stingy’ to a passerby who would want to pick the fruit quickly or checks for spears on the ground. P.s. don’t eat fallen fruits- just a suggestion.

What Does Star Apple Taste Like?

The fruit taste like a mixture of sweet milk, pear (no not avocado), lychee, or apples with a bit of citrus. Its pulp is usually thick and sweet, whereas unripe star apples have a green taste.

How to eat star apple

Wash the fruit properly then use a knife to slit it in half. Once you do that then you can use a scoop or spoon to scoop out the white pulp to eat. Please note that you discard the skin. Bon appétit!

Storage and season

Star apples are best harvested in the spring season. Whereas ripe star apples are stored in the refrigerator whole or for a longer period of maintenance, store in a resealable zipper bag then place it in the refrigerator. Again please note that you should remove the skin.

Aliases

Diversity is just a spectacle to really appreciate. What may be one thing in my culture/ country is called something else in another. Star apple has other aliases like:

• golden-leaf tree
• caimito
• estrella,
• caimo morado
• caimito maduraverde
• ajara (Portuguese)
• tar apple
• Jamaican star apple
• purple star apple
• golden leaf tree
• abiaba
• pomme de lait
• milk fruit
• achras cainito

Where can I buy star apple?

At your farmer’s market and if you don’t see them, then try online.

9 Health Benefits of Star Apple

Now, let’s dive into some nutritional value that star apple has. Because we are all about healthiness, right my h-steppers?

Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), iron, dietary fiber, calcium, zinc, protein, potassium, and phosphorus are a few good sources of nutrients, minerals, and compounds that are found in star apple. Without these, there couldn’t be the following benefits: Read More.

1. Helps to improve the digestive system

A good digestive system helps to prevent abdominal pain, constipation, loose tool, diarrhea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bloating. Fiber and phosphorus are present in star apple which helps with removing these issues beforehand or during that soothes the digestive system to function effectively.

2. Antimicrobial properties

The components in star apple act as a natural antimicrobial agent that kills pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc.) that damages the body’s cells either directly or indirectly.

3. Good antioxidant

Antioxidants stop the process of oxidation which causes free radicals to roam that ultimately damages our cells like an off switch. Antioxidants protect the body against heart diseases, cancer, and others. A good source of a natural antioxidant found in star apple is vitamin C. Read More. 

4. Prevents anemia

Star apple has a good source of iron that helps to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. Its main function is to carry oxygen to your body’s organs and transports carbon dioxide (CO2) from organs and tissues to your lungs, and exhale it. Thus, making hemoglobin it prevents anemia- low red blood cells in your bloodstream.

5. Helps to regulate blood pressure (hypertension)

Potassium is a good regulator for high blood pressure. Vitamin C and calcium present along with other compounds assist with the regulation as well.

6. Heals wounds

The Vitamin C presents helps to heal wounds faster along with cold and sore throat! Vitamin C also prevents scurvy and other ailments.

7. Boost Immune system

Vitamin A and C helps to make T cells in the bone marrow then matures in the thymus. It helps the immune system to detect viruses then kills or activates other key cells to assist in removing the bacteria, virus, or infections.

8. Build strong bones and teeth

Phosphorus is a good nutrient found in star apple that helps to build stronger bones and teeth during its formation. Not limited to this, regulates hormone imbalance, aids in cell and tissue growth/repair/maintenance, and aids even indigestion. 

9. Reduces cholesterol

Vitamin B3 (niacin) primary benefit is to lower high cholesterol. But niacin also boosts brain functionality, maintains your skin, nervous system, and digestive system healthy as well as converting the food we eat into energy.

Well did you enjoy it? Leave a comment! We want to hear from you! We hope that you continue to enjoy our articles and all that we do. Before you try the fruit, a suggestion is to eat it in moderation and ensure that it is ok for you to consume if you are suffering from an ailment. Catch you another time my lovely h-steppers! Bon Appétit!

More Exotic Fruits

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