Bintang Carica in Syrup

At Sekolah Tinggi Penerbangan Indonesia, there is this thing called adik asuh (or adoptive junior literary translated), a tradition in the institution where you can adopt a cadet who enrolls after you to be your "younger brother", or "younger sister". Your adoptive junior doesn't have to be in the same major as you are. You can have as many adoptive junior as you want as long as you take care of them, and they take care of you - and by "take care", I mean literary taking care of them, as if you are bonded by blood. 

My adoptive junior named Baruna and his hometown is in Salatiga. He brought me a souvenir from his hometown, which is a local fruit named Carica. "This carica fruit is very popular in my hometown," he said, "the fruit is similar with papaya, but smaller and the local people usually candied them before they sell it to the tourists." Curious about the famous star-shaped fruit, I made him promise to bring back a jar. He nodded in agreement. 

The oh-so-famous Carica

As promised

"Bintang Carica in Syrup" caught my attention the moment the jar was in my hands. Apparently, the shape of a carica is similar to a starfruit, yet chubbier and slightly look more like a quanco. The fruit is sliced and stored in a jar with a combination of water and sugar, hence the super sweet syrup. "Best eaten cold," was written on the jar. Being a good girl, which I am thank you very much, I put the jar into the freezer for an hour before I indulge. 

The sight of the syrupy galore

The texture of carica is far from a papaya as it was chewier and softer. I have to say, the syrup was too sweet for my liking. If only they used less sugar, I think the candied fruit will be one of my favorite treats. But, I believe the syrup can be used to make flavored ice tea, instead of just being thrown away into the trash bin - imagine the flavored tea with carica bits at the bottom of the glass, yum! 

I really like the taste of the fruit, very sweet and chewy. You can just eat it right away, or you can use them to make cold fruity beverages and fruit cake I believe. They are very much enjoyable, and I'll give it an 8 out of 10. 

Want some?

P.S. Baruna, if you're reading this, thank you so much for the souvenir! I hope you like the milk tarts I brought you from Bali.