Hearts of palm are trending these days in the health and wellness world.
Learn what hearts of palm are, plus essential tips on how to cook and store them properly.
What Are Hearts of Palm?
Credit: Getty Images / Juanmonino
Hearts of palm are the coreor heartof a palm plant.
They are known by other names, too, like palm cabbage, palmitom, or chonta.
Hearts of palm are grown in warmer zones such as Florida and parts of Central and South America.
Credit: Blaine Moats
For sustainability, farmers have bred palm plants to grow with multiple stems.
What do Hearts of Palm Taste Like?
Hearts of palm have a mild, nutty flavor that some compare to asparagus or artichoke hearts.
The innermost part of the hearts of palm can also be compared to the taste of jicama.
They have a solid, crunchy texture and are easy to bite.
Usually, they are exported in cans or jars with brine and can appear as a solid tube.
They can be cut crosswise into little rings or may come pre-cut in rings.
If purchased fresh, rather than in canned or jarred form, they are perishable and expensive.
Hearts of Palm Nutrition
Funnily enough, palm hearts are good for heart health.
They are a rich source of protein and are low in fats and sugars yet high in fiber.
They are also a high source of vitamin B6.
Just watch out for the brine which can be high in sodium.
Plus, they promote healthier digestion thanks to their dietary fibers.
It won’t break apart easily.
But hearts of palm can be shredded, too.
It can also be used in place ofjackfruit for endless recipes.
Another popular way to enjoy hearts of palm is in the form of noodles.
Hearts of palm form a gluten-free pasta that is an excellent low-carb option.
According to the grocery chain Trader Joes, their house brand of palm noodles is their best-selling pasta alternative.
You’ll find them whole or pre-cut into rings.
Store unopened hearts of palm according to package directions.
How do you know if hearts of palm have gone bad?
Fresh hearts of palm should be kept refrigerated and only last about 2 weeks if wrapped tightly.
Canned hearts of palm may last up to 7 days in the fridge once opened.
