A Little Exotica

Cactus Pear: Also called prickly pear, this fruit is more egg shaped than pear shaped and its thick skin is dotted with prickles. The flesh is most like watermelon and colored exotic red or purple. These are available all year round but are best in early autumn.

Carambola: Also called star fruit, carambola is a bright yellow to green, deeply grooved, oval fruit the size of an orange. Sliced horizontally, the fruit looks like a five-sided star. You will find two varieties at the market—sweet and tart. They should be labeled. The sweet carambola can be eaten out of hand; it is very juicy and crisp and tastes like a most refreshing plum. The tart fruit can be used as you would a lemon.