Hearts of Palm

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I’ve had this can of hearts of palm since college. My late PopPop gave it to me, probably because they’re super healthy (he was a doctor after all). They were his favorite. I never had the desire to try them…until he passed. With week 1 of the Whole30 underway, it’s time to spice up my meals with funky fruits and veggies. After a bit of research I learned that it’s the core in the stem of a palm tree (duhh). When the palm tree reaches a certain height and diameter, it’s cut down for specific flavor, quality, and freshness. Hearts of palm has been eaten for thousands of years, but today, it’s a staple ingredient found in Brazilian and Floridian cooking. They’re tender, flaky texture makes an unusual, yet affective vegetarian substitute for seafood. 

T <3 

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BASICS

AKA: palm hearts · palmito · chonta · swamp cabbage · peach palm

Brand: Roland

Plant: palm trees

Origin: South America

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HEALTH

Benefits: improves digestive health · assists in calcium strengthening · regulates blood pressure

Nutrition: fiber · iron · potassium · vitamin B6 · zinc

Substitutes: artichoke · asparagus · crab meat · scallops

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SHOP

Store: near other canned & jarred vegetables, or in the international section

Online: Amazon · Thrive Market

Other Products:

Hearts of Palm Spaghetti 

Hearts of Palm Lasagna Sheets

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PREPARE

Preparation: enjoy drained from the canned or jarred palm and slice. If using fresh palm hearts, lightly wash and eat as is. Cook hearts of palm like any other vegetable: braise, sauté, boil, and fry whole or sliced.

Storage: refrigerate fresh hearts of palm in a tightly-sealed bag for 1-2 weeks or until ready to use. Store cans or jars in a dark place at room temperature. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container with its liquid (or cover with water) and use within 1 week.

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EAT

Taste & Texture: soft with a light crunch · tender · flakey layers · briny but mild

Suggested Uses: toss in salad · mash into dips · add to omelettes · add to savory pies and casseroles · add to curries · batter and deep-fry · top on pizza · mold into patties

Recipes:

Hearts of Palm Guacamole

Grilled Hearts of Palm with Parm (via Food Republic

Hearts of Palm Tacos (via Serious Eats)

Crabless Cakes (via Food & Wine

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~*~ MORE  ~*~

How it’s Made

Compostable Palm Leaf Heart Plates & Bowls 

Napoleon Edition 

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COOKS NOTE

For best flavor, buy whole hearts of palm as opposed to pre-cut like pictured above. 

 

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Hearts of Palm Crab Cakes

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