Abstract

MATEUS-CAGUA, DIANA; ARIAS C., MARCO EMILIO  and  ORDUZ-RODRIGUEZ, JAVIER ORLANDO. Growing starfruit (Averrhoa carambolaL.) and its behavior in the piedmont of Meta (Colombia). A review. rev.colomb.cienc.hortic. [online]. 2015, vol.9, n.1, pp.135-148. ISSN 2011-2173.  https://doi.org/10.17584/rcch.2015v9i1.3752.

One of the more known subsistence products in the department of Meta is the starfruit, misnamed by some people as tamarind. It is an exotic tropical fruit that has been established on farms for fresh consumption and juices, but it has failed to position itself in a market niche due to the lack of technical management and nutritional advantages. It is popular due to its star shape and recommended for people with diabetes and hypertension to maintain vision and aid proper functioning of the immune system. This review led to the discovery that this fruit has a high antioxidant activity, low calorific value, and good contents of vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium, characteristics that are important to health. However, due to the potassium and calcium oxalate contents, moderate or zero consumption is recommended for people with kidney problems. The nutritional benefits and experiences of other countries in the post-harvest of these fruits have provided accurate information on the marketability of starfruits under the conditions of the Meta piedmont. This review presents a brief description of the principal zones where this crop has been established. The information indicates that there is scope for marketing, but innovation in this fruit's use should be promoted so that it, in addition to household consumption, can serve as financial support for farmers. This requires the use of technical management practices and the promotion of market niches.

Keywords : botanic; varieties; propagation; management practices; commercialization.

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