A&B Tropical Products, SA

Palmito Information

Heart of palm (or “palmito”) comes from a perennial palm tree native to the humid tropics of America. For centuries it has been cultivated by indigenous communities in the Amazon Region, as a subsistence plant on small farms. However, in recent years it has aroused interest among farmers, industrialists and researchers from Central America
to Brazil, mainly due to heart of palm’s multiple uses.

Palmito is the central part or heart of some wild varieties of palm trees that originated in the South American tropical jungle. These varieties have undergone a process of adaptation and become a farm species.

The main variety that has been domesticated is the botanical species Bactris gasipaes of the Palmaceae family, known in Ecuador as
“chontaduro” and in Costa Rica as “pejibaye.”

Heart of palm is considered a very exotic gourmet product. It has a high fiber content and no cholesterol. It also has large amounts
of iron and calcium. Heart of palm is soft, ivory-colored, firm in texture and delicate in flavor. It is typically used in salads or “ceviches” or even mixed in or fried for main dishes.

The heart of palm is growing daily in the variety of uses - the beauty of this gourmet vegetable is that is is so versatile.  

Nutritional Content of Heart of Palm per 100 g of Utilizable Product
COMPOSITION         AMOUNT
Moisture                               91.70g Protein                                  4.10 g
Carbohydrates                      2.60 g
Fats                                      0.60 g
Fiber                                     0.70 g
Ash                                       1.00 g
Calories                                 27.50                                                     calories
Carotene                               0.12 mg
Thiamin                                 0.04 mg
Riboflavin                              0.12 mg
Niacin                                   0.79 mg
Ascorbic Acid                       13 mg
Calcium                                 81 mg
Phosphorus                           109 mg
Iron                                       1.50 mg
(Source: Thesis on the Heart of Palm Agroindustry in Ecuadorian Agriculture, Pontifical University of
Ecuador, PUCE.)

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