FlavScents AInsights Entry for Averrhoa Carambola Fruit Extract (CAS: 97675-54-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Starfruit extract, Carambola extract
- CAS Number: 97675-54-2
- Material Type: Natural complex material (extract)
- Source: Derived from the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, commonly known as starfruit.
- Key Constituents: Includes flavonoids, oxalic acid, and various organic acids. Composition may vary based on origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Averrhoa carambola fruit extract is characterized by a sweet, tangy aroma with notes reminiscent of apple, pear, and citrus. The flavor profile is similarly sweet and tart, often described as a blend of grape, apple, and citrus. The extract is typically used as a background realism note in formulations, providing a fresh and exotic fruitiness. Sensory intensity is moderate, with a diffusion that can enhance the overall fruitiness of a composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Averrhoa carambola is native to Southeast Asia but is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit extract is obtained through processes such as cold pressing or solvent extraction. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural product designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
The extract is used in a variety of flavor applications, including beverages, confectionery, and desserts. It serves as a functional flavor enhancer, providing a unique tropical fruit note. Typical use levels in finished products range from 50 to 200 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The extract is generally stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, Averrhoa carambola fruit extract is used in fruity and tropical fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing a fresh, exotic fruitiness. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired effect. The extract is volatile, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant properties.
- Oxalic Acid: Contributes to the tartness of the fruit.
- Organic Acids: Such as citric and malic acids, which enhance the fruit's flavor profile.
Note: Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; specific FL number status not clearly reported.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China; specific ASEAN regulations not clearly reported.
- Latin America: Approved in Brazil; MERCOSUR regulations align with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally considered safe for consumption at typical use levels. No specific ADI or MSDI reported.
- Dermal Exposure: Low risk of irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use levels.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure considerations are minimal.
Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Averrhoa carambola fruit extract is valued for its unique tropical fruit profile, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruit and floral notes. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overly tart or sour profile. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can provide a subtle fruitiness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on Averrhoa carambola fruit extract is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. However, specific numeric values for toxicology and regulatory approvals in some regions are not clearly reported, indicating areas for further research.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-02-09 10:46:53 GMT (p2)