Star fruit is an exotic fruit that gets its name from the striking star shape that emerges once it's cut horizontally across all five of its protruding wings.

It's oblong, measures roughly three to six inches long and 3.5 inches wide, and sports five attached wings with thin green edging.

Star fruits originate from countries such as the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. They also maintain a cultivated presence in Florida and Hawaii.

The inner flesh of ripe star fruit is lusciously succulent with a mild balance of sweet and tart flavors. Some compare the taste to plums, grapes, pears, oranges, and apples.

The easiest way to eat star fruit is to bite right through the skin. You could also slice off both ends of the fruit, lay it horizontally, and make star-shaped slices.

They're often served as finger fruits, blended into smoothies, or used as garnishes for salads and cocktails — but regional customs and recipes extend their use much further.

Bake them into tarts and pies or make a Malaysian-style bowl. Ripe star fruits add sweetness to a marinade, while under-ripe varieties are perfect for chutneys, jams, and relishes.