For the true connoisseur of the fruit and nut, the sky is the limit. Treats are available to them from the most unlikely of quarters in the city. Star Fruit is the common English name. Carambola and the Chinese gooseberry are the most exotic names. The fruit is called by several names in Indonesia, Philippines, Tagalog and in Malaysia where the fruit grows in the wild is also cultivated.
The plant is grown in a large scale in Malaysia and Taiwan and on a smaller scale in Thailand, Israel, Florida, Brazil, Philippines, China, Australia, Indonesia and warmer parts of India. Just like the different names the taste of the fruit also varies from acidic to sweet. It is a commercial crop in all these countries. It is known to the local fruit vendors as Star Apples. It is sold with salt and chilli powder like raw mango.
Even more exotic looking is Wild Almond. Piled up on a vendors cart the pods look like fruit brought from an alien planet. The seeds have to be roasted to be eaten. They are also credited with medicinal value.
The exotic shapes attracted The Hindu photographer to record connoisseurs contemplating the fruits and nuts before savouring them.
(Photos: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar, Text: G.Venkataramana Rao)
