Hearts of Palm Recipe: 5 Ways to Enjoy Hearts of Palm

Hearts of palm are the edible inner core of certain species of palm tree, including the coconut palm, juçara palm, açai palm, palmetto, and peach palm. The palm tree species that produce this vegetable core are native to Central and South America. Producers now cultivate them in Southeast Asia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hawaii, and some parts of the southern United States.

Hearts of palm are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, like potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. In the grocery store, fresh hearts of palm are available in jars or cans, sliced or in whole cylinders, packed in water, or marinated in brine. You can incorporate the cores into a salad, pasta, roast or grill them for a side dish or appetizer, or marinate them in olive oil and herbs to serve on a cheese plate.

Hearts of palm have a neutral, earthy, vegetal flavor, with a mild sweetness similar to white asparagus, water chestnut, or artichoke hearts.

Texturally, they are quite tender and cut easily but have enough structure—especially when cut into larger pieces from a whole cylinder—to provide a distinctive crunch, even when cooked.

Hearts of palm is a gluten-free, low-carb ingredient that lends itself to a variety of rich, flavorful appetizers and side dishes. Here’s how to use it:

1. 1. In a salad. Hearts of palm is primarily known as a salad bar staple. To make a hearts of palm salad, slice one or two whole cylinders and add them to any green salad before tossing it with vinaigrette, or add it to a Caprese-style tomato and mozzarella salad.
2. 2. Marinated in olive oil and herbs. Marinated hearts of palm is a simple, understated appetizer that delivers a big flavor. Serve it alongside a charcuterie platter or cheese plate, as you would marinated olives.
   
3. 3. Roasted or grilled. Grill hearts of palm whole for a smoky, soft character akin to grilled eggplant. Serve it with a fresh, garlicky herb sauce, like chimichurri or salsa verde.
4. 4. Imitation crab cakes. When combined with mayonnaise, classic seasoning, fresh veggies like corn, and panko breadcrumbs, shredded hearts of palm are a satisfying dupe for real crab cakes.
5. 5. In a stir-fry. Hearts of palm are sturdy enough to be stir-fried with a handful of other ingredients like snow peas and celery, and mild enough to be a harmonious addition to fried rice.