The Averrhoa bilimbi, a related species to carambola originating in Malaysia. Much cultivated in Old World topics, in New World only locally important.
It is a small tree, family oacalidaceze, called also cucumber tree, the fruit being resembling a small cucumber. Young parts of the tree are covered with long-persistent, yellowish to rusty velvety hairs.
The ribs of the bilimbi which is smaller than the carambola, are barely visible. Its juicy flesh contains six or seven flat seeds and is a greenish yellow colour; it is firmer and much more acidic that the flesh of carambola.
The ribs of the bilimbi which is smaller than the carambola, are barely visible. Its juicy flesh contains six or seven flat seeds and is a greenish yellow colour; it is firmer and much more acidic that the flesh of carambola.
The fruits are eaten as pickles an cooked as seasoning or curries, or used to make candies and jam. In Malaysia the fruits are processed into dried sliced snacks.
The fruits have a remarkably higher level of oxalic acid than carambola fruits.
Averrhoa bilimbi L
The fruits have a remarkably higher level of oxalic acid than carambola fruits.
Averrhoa bilimbi L
