Candied Starfruit
Candied Starfruit, also known as 'Belimbing Manis' in Indonesia and Malaysia, is a popular sweet treat made by simmering star-shaped slices of the carambola fruit in a sugar syrup until they become glossy and slightly chewy. The primary ingredients are fresh starfruit, sugar, and water, often with a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. This confection is a common street food and homemade snack across Southeast Asia.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in carbohydrates, primarily from the added sugar and the fruit's natural sugars, while containing negligible fat and protein. It provides a quick source of energy and offers some key nutrients from the starfruit itself, such as vitamin C and potassium, though the vitamin content is reduced by cooking. A typical serving can range from 150 to 250 calories, depending on the thickness of the sugar coating.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbs | 53 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 48 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 IU |
| Folate | 15 µg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
Per 1 cup (160 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, candied starfruit is a classic example of tropical fruit preservation, transforming a perishable fruit into a shelf-stable snack. Nutritionally, while it's a sugary treat, the starfruit base still contributes a unique profile of antioxidants and the mineral potassium, which is less common in many other confections.
