Frequently Asked Questions

Fresh. Tropical. Versatile.Curious about fresh palm hearts?

You’re not alone.

Although palm hearts have been enjoyed around the world for generations, fresh Australian-grown palm heart is still a new and exciting ingredient for many people.

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about how palm hearts are grown and harvested, what they taste like, how to prepare and store them, and how to enquire about supply from Palm Hearts Australia.

Palm Hearts are the growing point of edible palms, consisting of the stem, growing shoot and newly formed fronds (leaves). Many palms produce an edible heart but only a few are suitable for culinary use and can be grown sustainably.

Our fresh palm hearts, produced in the wet tropics of far north Queensland, are grown from a specially selected suckering palm “Peach Palm” which ensures that a sustainable and culinary pleasing product can be harvested without killing the palm.

Fresh palm hearts have a mild, delicate flavour and a crisp yet tender texture.

Their flavour is sometimes compared with artichoke, asparagus or bamboo shoots, although fresh palm heart has a distinctive character of its own.

Our palm hearts are grown in the wet tropics of Far North Queensland.

The region’s warm temperatures, rainfall and tropical growing conditions are well suited to Peach Palms.

Palm Hearts Australia grows a specially selected suckering variety known as the Peach Palm.

Unlike single-stemmed palms, Peach Palms naturally produce multiple shoots from the same plant.

Harvesting the heart of a single-stemmed palm kills the entire plant because its growing point is removed.

Our Palms grow in clusters. This means selected mature stems can be harvested while younger shoots remain and continue growing.

Their regenerative growth habit allows individual stems to be selectively harvested without destroying the entire palm, supporting ongoing production from the same plant.

Canned and jarred palm hearts are generally preserved in brine or another liquid.

Fresh palm hearts retain their natural texture, delicate flavour and tropical character. They are firmer and crisper than preserved palm hearts and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Fresh palm hearts are a versatile ingredient. They can be:

  • sliced into salads;
  • served as an appetiser;
  • grilled or roasted;
  • lightly sautéed;
  • added to stir-fries;
  • paired with seafood;
  • included in vegetarian or vegan meals; or
  • featured in restaurant dishes.

Their mild flavour works well with citrus, herbs, garlic, chilli, coconut, avocado, olive oil and tropical ingredients.

Yes. Palm hearts are entirely plant-based and can be used in vegetarian and vegan meals.

Their firm yet tender texture makes them suitable as a feature ingredient rather than simply a side dish.

Palm hearts are a plant-based food and may contain naturally occurring dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals.

The exact nutritional content can vary depending on growing conditions, preparation, serving size and the specific product supplied. Verified nutritional information should be taken from the product label or supplied product information.

Fresh palm hearts should be kept refrigerated and stored in clean, sealed food-grade packaging.

Follow the storage and use-by instructions provided with the product. Once cut or opened, the palm heart should be used promptly.

Storage life can vary depending on how the product has been harvested, prepared, packaged and refrigerated.

Refer to the handling and use-by information supplied with your order for the most accurate guidance.

Palm Hearts Australia welcomes enquiries from restaurants, chefs, caterers, retailers and other food businesses.

Please contact us to discuss availability, quantities and supply requirements.