Heart Palm — Are you curious about heart of palm? Read this post and you won’t be disappointed!

Do you know the answer for “what does heart of palm taste like?”. While the heart of palm may sound unfamiliar to some people, it’s actually a very tasty and healthy vegetable to know about! If you’re looking for some new veggies to join in your salad, maybe it’s the one!

In this article, I will take you around to learn specifically about the taste of hearts of palm, the proper ways to store it, how to use it in some recipes, and much more interesting information. I believe that you will find this article helpful to yourself! Roll in for more!

What You Should Know About Hearts Of Palm

Hearts of palm, or also called palmito, chonta, palm cabbage, come from South and Central America. As the name suggests, they are cut from the tender center part of certain varieties of palm trees, such as coconuts, peach palms, or sabal palms.⁽¹⁾

The average length of hearts of palm can range from 3 to 5 inches long with 1 inch in diameter. They look like the white asparagus without the tips and taste somehow like artichokes. They are also a popular choice for salads with versatile appearance and flavor.

In order to harvest the cultivated young palm, the palm tree is first hacked to the ground and the bark is scraped off, revealing a white core inside. The fibers are removed during processing, showing the core, or so-called heart of palm.

After being harvested, hearts of palm are cut into cylinders or rings. Then, they are packed in brine and canned for manufacturing. They are usually used in salads, dipping sauces, and as an alternative to meat or seafood in vegan-friendly dishes.

In culinary preparation, hearts of palm are also boiled, roasted, fried, braised, grilled, etc., for many purposes and dishes. People also slice and stir-fry or sautée them for sandwich fillings or form into patties for some delicious cakes.

Want to see how palm cabbage is collected? Here’s the video you’re looking for!

Watch this video: Seafood Swamp Cabbage Stew - Wild Hearts Of Palm

The Heart Of Palm’s Special Taste

Now it’s the most important part of this article! How can you imagine the taste of hearts of palm if you haven’t eaten them yet? Read the following words to figure it out!

Flavor Of Fresh Hearts Of Palm

Hearts of palm have a beautiful white to ivory color. Their skin may be a bit rough, but the flesh is very tender, a bit chewy, and pleasant, with a slight crunch and a hint of sweetness in the mouth. The main taste is often compared to artichokes, but they are somehow milder.

Overall, hearts of palm taste subtle, delicate, nutty, and vegetal. The mild flavor may sound bland at first, but this point is also an advantage of heart of palm being an ingredient in a diversity of dishes.

By the unique and versatile taste, hearts of palm can stand in for meat and seafood in some vegan recipes since their taste can mimic the taste of meat and seafood really well. Of course, they are not 100% alike, but it’s good enough for a vegan-friendly dish.

Flavor Of Canned/Jarred Hearts Of Palm

The canned or jarred hearts of palms taste different from the fresh ones. They are packed in brine or an acid liquid similar to that of canned artichoke hearts. Therefore, the taste is more robust with a slightly acidic flavor than the fresh. Also, the slight crunch is not available.

The Texture Of Hearts Of Palm

Chunks Hearts Palm — You can take a closer look at the sliced hearts of palm to imagine their texture!

Besides the taste, the texture of hearts of palm is also a highlight! It can be described to stand between the white asparagus, water chestnut, and once again, artichoke heart. The creamy and tender flesh makes them adaptable to many dishes.

The crunch texture of hearts of palm is also a special characteristic to talk about. It is not the ordinary crunch, but a mixture of crunch and softness. They are also supple and chewy to describe. You will feel this unique texture right at the very first bite!

How To Store Your Hearts Of Palm Properly?

Both canned and fresh hearts of palm need to be stored properly for the best quality before using. They consist of different shelf life and methods to store. Let’s see in what ways you can store them and how long they last!

Best Ways To Store Hearts Of Palm After Purchasing

The hearts of palm usually appear in two different forms: fresh and canned in a tin. These two types require distinctive methods to store because of their texture and taste.

Canned or Jarred Hearts of Palm

Canned Palm Hearts — Hearts of palm are well-prepared and soaked in a signature liquid then sold as can or jar.

Hearts of palm are usually sold in supermarkets in the canned form. They are more common and easier to find on the market year-round, and can also be purchased online.

You can store the hearts of palm in your pantry, but choose somewhere dry and cool. Make sure that there’s no sunlight getting in, or else this veggie may get rotten easily even though they are not opened.

Once you unseal the can, you should move and store them in the fridge for the best usage. If they are left at room temperature, they will surely go bad earlier than you thought.

Fresh Hearts of Palm

The fresh ones are hard to buy and may not be available at most groceries or supermarkets. They are easily perishable, which is more complicated to preserve. Therefore, their price is not always comfortable.

To store fresh hearts of palm, you should clean them first using kitchen towels, then tightly seal them in a container or wrap them with some nylon bags. Put them into the refrigerator or the freezer for long-time usage.

The Usual Shelf Life Of Hearts Of Palm

Here is the table briefly showing you the expiration time of the two forms of hearts of palm.

Types	In the fridge	At room temperature
Opened Canned/ Jarred Hearts Of Palm	1 week	1-2 days
Unopened Canned/ Jarred Hearts Of Palm	Up to 3 months (or following the expiration day)	Up to 3 months (or following the expiration day)
Fresh Hearts Of Palm	2 weeks	1-2 days

Canned or jarred hearts of palm can last up to 3 months and even past the best by date printed on the packaging. They are also soaked in brine or acidic liquid so once you open them, they start to get rotten and last only about one week with proper storage in the fridge.

As I mentioned, the fresh hearts of palm are extremely perishable, but if you prepare and store them well following the instructions, they will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge! Therefore, by properly storing them, you can help them last longer than usual.

If you leave the opened hearts of palm at room temperature, they will go bad quickly in 1 to 2 days, both fresh or canned. It’s not a great idea to store them outside of the fridge or the freezer, once they are exposed to the air. You should note this in your mind.

Some Amazing Recipes Calling For Hearts Of Palm

As I mentioned before, there are a lot of ways to cook this versatile veggie. Here are some delectable recipes calling for hearts of palm that you must try someday!

Vegan Ceviche With Hearts Of Palm

This ceviche recipe is actually the classic recipe for a vegan ceviche. It includes a lot of healthy and flavorful vegetables, such as tomatoes or onions. A mixture of veggies with the special participation of hearts of palm is something you’re looking for!

Easy-to-make, time-saving, and delectable as an appetizer, is there any more reason for you not to make this recipe for the next dinner? You’ll be surprised by the fresh and exploding taste of this ceviche!

Hearts Of Palm Cakes

These cakes are literally vegan, gluten-free crab cakes. They may sound boring but they are not bland at all! Hearts of palm cakes are actually a fun snack and very flavorful to tell! They are not only healthy but can also taste pretty like crab cakes if they are seasoned properly.

These cakes consist of the crispy outer side and the soft, juicy, and yummy filling inside. Just with one bite, you will feel their heaven-made flavor immediately! So why don’t you try these vegan cakes recipes to wow your family or some vegetarians at the next party?

Here’s the more detailed instruction of making these “vegan crab cakes” just for you!

Watch this video: Vegan Crab Cakes - With Remoulade Sauce

Hearts Of Palm Salad With Citrus Dressing

This is the most refreshing summer salad recipe I’ve ever tried! The combination between the mild, crunchy texture of hearts of palm and the juicy, pleasant sour flavor of the lemon dressing is definitely what you are searching for!

With some simple ingredients right in your refrigerator and around 30 minutes for preparation, your hearts of palm salad is ready to serve at family dinner or maybe on the table at some holidays of the year!

Is Eating Hearts Of Palm Good For You?

Hearts of palm are always an amazing source of nutrients, and super low in unhealthy fats. Consuming them can surely benefit your health! But what exactly are those benefits? Read more to find out!

Supporting your weight Loss Progress

Hearts of palm have fewer bad fats, and calories also. Not only are they a great substitute for meat in most recipes, but this vegetable can also replace main ingredients that have high-calorie content. This is a good way to reduce the calories in your dietary meals.

Moreover, with their high water and fiber content, eating a lot of hearts of palm can make you feel that you’re full enough before grabbing some more unhealthy foods to fill the stomach. As a result, you’ll eat less than usual and can lose weight quickly.

Preventing You From Severe Ailments

Hearts of palm are also packed with protein, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamin C and B6, niacin, zinc, etc. Protein is special because there are not many veggies including protein in their nutritional value.

Therefore, they can help you avoid extreme illnesses such as heart disease, anemia, or even cancer. They also improve your immune system and support bone health. How amazing is that? ⁽²⁾

As you can see, a lot of spectacular health benefits of hearts of palm have been revealed. Eating them will definitely be a treat for yourself!

Learn more about the awesome health advantages of this wonderful veggie that you may not know! You can see this video to know more:

Watch this video: Little Known Super Veggie- Hearts Of Palm

FAQs

After reading this article, is there any question left in your head? I don’t know what you’ll be asking, but I will provide you with some commonly asked questions and short answers around the star vegetable today – hearts of palm.

Do Hearts Of Palm Taste Sour?

The fresh hearts of palm are not sour, but the canned ones are. As I mentioned, the canned or jarred hearts of palm are dipped in acidic liquid for preservation, giving them a sour flavor that isn’t included in fresh ones.

Are Hearts Of Palm Sweet?

Yes, they are.

The hearts of palm do consist of a slightly sweetness in taste, which is mild and hard to recognize, but do exist.

Can I Use Hearts Of Palm As A Substitute To Mimic Seafood In A Recipe?

Yes, totally.

You can use this veggie to replace the seafood in a vegan recipe for their special taste and texture. They also provide a great amount of protein for your body just like what meat and seafood do.

Are Hearts Of Palm Similar To Artichoke Hearts?

Yes, they are somewhat similar in taste. But the appearance and the texture are different. They both have ivory color, but the hearts of palm have a cube-like shape, while the artichoke heart is heart-shaped. Their texture is also crunchier than artichoke hearts.

Can I Eat Fresh Hearts Of Palm Raw?

Yes, you can!

Hearts of palm can be eaten both raw or cooked. You can consume the fresh ones right after they are harvested. The raw ones are often added to salad and provide a slight crunch in texture.

What Do Hearts Of Palm Noodles Taste Like?

There’s actually a type of noodles made of hearts of palm called Palmini. It tastes quite mild and soft, just like any regular pasta. That’s what makes Palmini adaptable to most pasta recipes.

Do Hearts Of Palm And Bamboo Shoots Taste Similar?

The taste of bamboo shoots somehow reminds of the taste of the core of palm. If you like to consume bamboo shoots, you may also like this subtle veggie. But in general, they are less fibrous and milder than bamboo shoots.

Has This Heart Of Palm Warmed Your Heart?

With all that information about the hearts of palm, do you feel like you have to taste them right now? They are worth trying, either simply cooked or used in other recipes, or standing in some non-animal dishes. Don’t hesitate anymore to taste this fantastic veggie!

I hope that this post has somehow cleared the curiosity cloud in your mind about the taste of hearts of palm. Don’t forget to like, share it if you find it useful for yourself and fellows! Also, if you happen to have any concerns on this, leave me a comment and I will reply to you!

See you soon in other posts!

References

En.wikipedia.org.. Heart of palm – Wikipedia.
Healthline.. Heart of Palm: Nutrition, Benefits, and Uses.

What Does Heart of Palm Taste Like?

What You Should Know About Hearts Of Palm