Abstract
Author(s): B. Bhaskar and M. Shantaram*
Averrhoa bilimbi, L. (bimbuli) and Averrhoa carambola (star fruit) [Oxalidaceae] are widely cultivated throughout tropical countries for their fruits. This study provides morphological and biochemical characteristics of mature Averrhoafruits. Physical features such as color, texture, length, width, volume, weight, moisture and number of seeds and ridges of mature fruits were noted. The fruits are acidic and pH was low in bilimbicompared to star fruit. Oxalic acid is the main acid in Averrhoasps. Greenish yellow mature fruits were dried and studied for proximate composition and minerals. Except for protein content all other biochemical nutrients studied were higher in carambola.Mature Averrhoa fruits are good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron. Averrhoafruits are low in calorie, sodium and lipids which qualifies it as an excellent source of natural antioxidants and minerals.