Hearts of palm are a vegetable that comes from the core of certain kinds of palm trees, including coconut, peach palm, açai palm, and palmetto. They are also called palm hearts, palm cabbage, palmito, or chonta. Hearts of palm have a very mild flavor, similar to white asparagus or artichoke hearts, and their texture is solid and crunchy but still delicate and easy to bite through. Hearts of palm are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, dips, soups, and stews. They can also be pureed and added to vegetable spreads or sauces, sautéed, or grilled and served on their own or with other vegetables, meats, or sauces. Hearts of palm are nutritious and provide some serious health benefits, such as repairing body tissue, being an excellent source of protein, and containing a long list of healthy vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fats and sugars and high in fiber. Hearts of palm are often found canned, and they are usually boiled and processed before being consumed due to their perishability.