Limequats, Star Fruits

Cranberries may be the fruit most closely associated with the holidays, but unusual exotic fruits can also contribute a festive touch.

Limequats, which are now in our markets, are an example. This cross between a lime and a kumquat looks like a miniature fruit plucked from a doll’s house. The tiny slices would make a novel garnish. Alternating them with kumquat slices would add color and also play up their origin.

Limequats are produced in small quantities in San Diego County. They’re not widely available, but we found some at Vons in South Pasadena.

Dick Spezzano, Vons vice president for produce, says this is not the first unusual lime that the store has tried to sell. A few months ago the market bought some Key limes--the real, Florida-grown Key limes that have been unavailable in California. The chain decided to try them out at Tianguis, figuring the small yellow-and-green limes would appeal to Latino customers. Unfortunately, the experiment “bombed,” Spezzano said.

Let’s hope Vons will try again, because Key limes have a superior, clean tart flavor. They make the best Margaritas, and you can’t produce a real Key lime pie without them.

Florida-grown star fruits are also in markets now. They’re expensive because, in addition to shipping costs, the fruit must be fumigated before it can enter California. However, a single star fruit is all you need for an effective garnish. Cut the fruit crosswise into thin slices to decorate baked ham or roast turkey, or add the slices to a salad or relish platter. The ridged structure of the fruit gives the slices an attractive star shape.

Fresh-squeezed star fruit juice is a popular beverage in steamy, hot Southeast Asian countries. Cut the fruit in half and ream it on a ridged citrus juicer. To make this expensive juice go farther, combine it with orange, pineapple or other juices.

Star fruit is also known as carambola . There are two types: tart and sweet. Asians use the tart fruit to add tang to certain dishes, but in this country, only the sweet fruit is sold.

Florida’s star fruit season runs August through February. Choose firm fruit and let it ripen at room temperature until golden yellow, then use at once. Don’t bother to peel. The thin, waxy skin is edible.