I would say a cross between asparagus and artichoke. It's really hard to find good brands any more. Most brands that are in the stores are mushy and taste like the can. My fave brand can be ordered online, which is Roland. They have some crunch left to them.
The heart of palm (palmito) is the core of the stem of the palm from the species Bactris gasipaes also known as sabal palmetto tree. hearts of palm are a great food, source of vitamin A and B9, fiber, iron, phosphorus, and zinc, which have a very low calorie value but a great nutritional one that benefits your health. As a vegetable, it is also very versatile; it can be consumed directly from the can, in salads, cooked dishes, soups and many more. It has a soft, and crispy taste, similar to artichokes but way better! You can have all the information about it in this web site: www.iheartpalm.com
I'll concur with the answers you've seen already. Readily available in supermarkets, most likely with the label stating "product of Brasil". Yes, the flavor is similar to jarred artichokes.
Love this recipe. It's more or less Sardi's Hearts of Palm recipe as Mad Men interpreted it.
Sardi’s Hearts of Palm Salad
Ingredients
1 can hearts of palm
6 thin slices pimento
4 Tablespoons vinaigrette dressing (see recipe below)
Vinaigrette Dressing
1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion
¼ cup white wine vinegar
½ dill pickle
1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 Tablespoon finely chopped pimento
1 teaspoon finely chopped hard-boiled egg white
1 teaspoon salt
¼ olive oil
Directions
Place the finely chopped onion in a small bowl and add the vinegar.
Chop the rest of the ingredients and add them to the small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and add the olive oil, Stir thoroughly. Keep in refrigerator. Always stir before using.
Slice the hearts of palm into ¼ inch round slices. Place in a serving bowl. Stir in two tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Taste and add more dressing if necessary.
Hard to describe what they taste like, They kind of look like white asparagus minus the tips. the texture is crisp without the 'crunch'. They're sold in cans with some salt added. the stalks are either sold in small bite sized pieces or as 5 inch stalks. (the inner layers almost seem to 'telescope out, ) I like to cut up & toss them in salads. Her's the wikipedia link for more details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearts_of_palm
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Sardi’s Hearts of Palm Salad
Ingredients
1 can hearts of palm
6 thin slices pimento
4 Tablespoons vinaigrette dressing (see recipe below)
Vinaigrette Dressing
1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion
¼ cup white wine vinegar
½ dill pickle
1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 Tablespoon finely chopped pimento
1 teaspoon finely chopped hard-boiled egg white
1 teaspoon salt
¼ olive oil
Directions
Place the finely chopped onion in a small bowl and add the vinegar.
Chop the rest of the ingredients and add them to the small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and add the olive oil, Stir thoroughly. Keep in refrigerator. Always stir before using.
Slice the hearts of palm into ¼ inch round slices. Place in a serving bowl. Stir in two tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Taste and add more dressing if necessary.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearts_of_palm