Pulisan is less widely known but is superior to the rambutan in quality. It is covered with thick blunt spines and varies in color from red to purple, black or green. Mata Kuching from Malaysia and Indonesia is a smaller tropical form of the Longan. All of these fruits are immediately enjoyed upon their first encounter and are highly recommended. In most markets, dark yellow fruits will be sweet and pleasant for eating fresh.
Green ones are sour and are used for cooking and making pickles.
Extremely sour varieties are high in oxalic acid and have been used to clean the tarnish from brassware. The fruit is sliced to make five pointed star shaped sections. Carambola is now grown in South Florida commercially and is available in U.S. markets. It hangs in bunches. The thin tan colored skin is easily peeled to reveal a pearly sectioned interior like a tangerine.