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Description
Sweet, Highly Productive Variety Perfect for Home Gardens
Common Names: Lara Star Fruit, Carambola
Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Lara Star Fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a highly productive and sweet variety known for its crisp texture and bright, golden-yellow fruits. Ideal for home gardeners and tropical fruit enthusiasts, Lara Star Fruit trees are grafted and capable of fruiting now, making them perfect for those seeking a quick harvest. The fruit has a sweet-tart flavor, and when sliced, it forms beautiful star-shaped pieces that are great for fresh eating, juicing, and garnishing dishes. The tree itself is compact and easy to grow, making it an excellent addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.
The Florida hybrid ‘Lara’ Carambola is known for its rich yellow-orange color and snappy, sweet flavor.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value
Fruits: Lara produces medium-sized, golden-yellow star fruits with a crisp, juicy texture and a mildly sweet-tart flavor. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. Its unique star shape when sliced makes it perfect for garnishing beverages, fruit salads, and desserts.
Foliage: The tree has glossy, pinnate leaves that fold up at night, adding a dynamic and tropical touch to any garden.
Growth Habit: Lara is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 15-20 feet tall but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. It is well-suited for home gardens and container growing.
Culinary and Ornamental Uses
Lara Star Fruit is delicious fresh and can be used in a variety of culinary dishes. The sweet-tart flavor pairs well with other tropical fruits, and its beautiful star-shaped slices make it an ideal garnish for drinks and plates. In addition to its culinary uses, the tree adds an ornamental appeal with its lush foliage and golden fruits, making it a standout in tropical landscapes.
