Navigating the aisles of a large supermarket can be a treasure hunt, especially when you're seeking a less common item like hearts of palm. The good news is that the search is manageable if you know where to look. For most shoppers, hearts of palm will be found in one of two main areas: the canned goods aisle or the international foods section. This guide will detail where to find both canned and fresh varieties, and offer tips for different store types.
The Canned Goods and Pantry Aisles
This is the most likely location for hearts of palm in a standard American grocery store. Look for the aisle containing canned and jarred vegetables. The product is often packed in brine, making its placement logical alongside other pickled and jarred items.
- Nearby products: If you’re struggling to spot them immediately, search around for these adjacent items, which share a similar preservation method: canned artichoke hearts, canned asparagus, pickled onions, and marinated mushrooms.
- Visual cues: Keep an eye out for cans or tall glass jars. Common brands include Goya, Reese, and Native Forest, which may be recognizable to you from their other products. The labels will prominently feature the words “Hearts of Palm” or “Palmitos.”
Specialty and International Sections
Some larger grocery chains dedicate an entire section to international or specialty foods. This can be another reliable spot to find hearts of palm, particularly if the store caters to South American or Latin American cuisines, where the vegetable is a staple.
- International cuisine: Check the Latin American aisle specifically. You may find them shelved with other staples like canned chiles, salsas, and dried beans.
- Online and specialty grocers: If your local standard supermarket doesn’t carry them, specialty food stores or online retailers are a sure bet. Websites for premium grocers often sell fresh versions, though these are more perishable and expensive.
The Elusive Fresh Hearts of Palm
Finding fresh hearts of palm in a typical grocery store is much harder due to their limited shelf life and high cost. Unless you live in a tropical climate where they are locally grown, like parts of Hawaii or Florida, you are unlikely to see them in the standard produce section.
- Farmer's markets: Your best chance at finding fresh hearts of palm is at a specialty market or a farmer's market in a region where they are grown. It's a rare find for most of the country.
- How to identify: Fresh hearts of palm are typically covered by an outer sheath of leaves, which must be removed before use. They should be white or ivory in color with a firm texture.
Beyond the Aisle: Other Heart of Palm Products
Hearts of palm have gained popularity as a low-carb pasta and rice substitute, leading to different product formats.
- Pasta aisle: Some brands, like Palmini, sell hearts of palm pasta, cut to mimic traditional noodles. Look for these in the pasta or gluten-free sections.
- Online marketplaces: Online shopping is an excellent option for convenience and variety. Retailers like Ubuy carry various canned and jarred hearts of palm from different brands and even offer bulk purchases.
How to Choose and What to Expect
When buying hearts of palm, especially if it's your first time, it's helpful to know what to look for and what to expect.
- Jarred vs. Canned: Both forms are cooked and preserved in brine. Jarred hearts of palm allow you to see the product before buying, while cans can be more budget-friendly. Both offer the same great mild flavor and texture.
- Whole vs. Salad Cut: You might see cylindrical 'whole' pieces or smaller, 'salad cut' cubes. The choice depends on your recipe, with whole pieces offering more versatility for slicing or dicing yourself.
Comparison Table: Hearts of Palm Varieties
| Feature | Canned/Jarred Hearts of Palm | Fresh Hearts of Palm |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Widely available in most major supermarkets. | Rarely available; mainly found at specialty stores or regional markets. |
| Aisle Location | Canned vegetables or international foods. | Specialty produce section (very limited). |
| Shelf Life | Very long (pantry staple). | About two weeks, must be refrigerated. |
| Texture | Soft but with a slight, pleasant crunch. | Crisper and more tender than canned versions. |
| Flavor | Mild, with a briny undertone from the preserving liquid. | Mild and delicate, with a subtler flavor. |
| Cost | Budget-friendly and consistent. | Often more expensive due to rarity and handling. |
Conclusion
Finding hearts of palm is straightforward once you know where to look. For the vast majority of recipes and convenience, head to the canned goods aisle, checking near the artichoke hearts and other preserved vegetables. If you can't find them there, the international food aisle is the next best bet. Fresh hearts of palm are a gourmet item and require a visit to a specialty store or online order. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to adding this delicious and versatile ingredient to your next salad, stir-fry, or plant-based dish.
For more great ideas on how to cook with hearts of palm, check out the resources on Allrecipes.
