By Jovita Mirembe
The star fruit tree also called the Carambola tree, is a small to medium-sized tree that produces juicy tropical fruits.
Purity Mbae Musyoka, a farmer in Banga village Mpata sub-county in Mukono district, says the fruit can be eaten fresh and is often used in salads.
She says that star fruit is also a supplement eaten after a meal due to its insoluble fibre which helps food and waste pass through the digestive tract easily.
Musyoka says, that when selecting a fruit from a tree or market, be sure it is fully yellow then allow it to ripe on your counter, it should be golden yellow and the ribs brown.
Growing the fruit
She says a star fruit can be planted from seeds, cuttings and tree branches.
Musyoka says that if you are growing from seeds, keep them (seeds) moist and warm. When sowing, dig a hole of 1-2 cm deep.
She says that if you are planting from cuttings, get an existing star fruit tree and cut off the branches which have buds. Place them in a rooting hormone and then into well-prepared polythene packs with potting soil.
Watering the cuttings regularly is advisable, the roots will be established after several weeks, she says.
Star fruit varieties include; Fwang, King, Bell, Arkin, and Sri Kembangan but the Arkin is the most commonly grown variety due to its sweeter flavour’ Musyoka say.
The tree will start producing fruits after 10 to 14 months. A farmer can harvest 200 fruits a year.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Purity Mbae Musyoka enjoying a star fruit she harvested from her farm. Photo by Jovita Mirembe
