How to eat starfruit correctly?

The correct way to consume starfruit should pay attention to maturity, edible parts, and special population restrictions. Yangmao contains oxalic acid and neurotoxins. It is recommended to choose fully ripe yellow fruit, cut off the edges of the fruit, and slice it for consumption. Patients with kidney disease and on an empty stomach should avoid it. The edges of starfruit contain a high concentration of oxalic acid crystals, which may irritate the oral mucosa when consumed directly. It is recommended to use a knife to remove the thin edges of the five edges. The flesh part can be horizontally cut into star shaped thin slices, and the cotton like part in the center with poor taste can be removed. Blue starfruit with insufficient maturity has a strong sour and astringent sensation, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It is best consumed when the skin turns orange yellow and emits fruity aroma. People with renal insufficiency may experience toxic reactions such as hiccups and consciousness disorders due to their inability to metabolize neurotoxins in starfruit. Such individuals should strictly fast. Healthy individuals should limit their daily intake to no more than 200 grams and avoid consuming high calcium foods to prevent calcium oxalate deposition. After slicing the starfruit, it can be soaked in light salt water for ten minutes to reduce astringency, but it should not be cooked at high temperatures to avoid damaging vitamin C. Some people may experience mild diarrhea or skin itching after consuming it, which is an allergic reaction to starfruit protein and should be stopped immediately. Carambola juice may cause photosensitive dermatitis in contact with the skin. Gloves are recommended for handling. Pregnant women and those with weak digestive function can grind the fruit pulp into puree and mix it with yogurt to relieve acidic irritation.

When consuming starfruit in daily life, it can be paired with warm fruits such as mango and banana to balance coldness. Eating it one hour after a meal can help absorb nutrients. When storing, avoid squeezing and colliding. Uncut mature starfruit should be refrigerated and stored for no more than three days. After cutting, it should be consumed on the same day. If there are abnormal reactions such as numbness in the mouth and tongue, seek medical attention promptly and inform the consumption history of starfruit. For special populations, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist or doctor to assess the risk before consumption.