Have a Heart
Hearts of palm are the smooth and tender interior stalks of a palm tree’s stem. The stalks are approximately 4 inches long with a diameter up to 1-1/2 inches. Most hearts of palm available in the United States are canned, though in many parts of the world, hearts of palm are served raw. Because harvesting doesn’t harm the mother plant, hearts of palm are a renewable and sustainable food source.
Very low in calories and fat- and cholesterol-free, hearts of palm are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Only one cup of hearts of palm contains a full 25% of one’s daily requirement of iron and a full day’s dose of manganese which is crucial for many bodily functions including the regulation of blood sugar and bone formation.
This ivory-colored vegetable’s delicate flavor resembles a cross between white asparagus and artichoke hearts. Enjoy hearts of palm sliced and in salads or marinated whole. Toss them sliced in cold antipasti or tortellini salad, seafood salad and tomato salad. Hearts of palm can also be cooked in olive oil with garlic and fresh herbs for a light side dish.
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