Between September and April, a special type of palm tree produces large clusters of fruit called peach palm, or peach palm fruit. This is also the same type of palm tree that produces the well-known and delicious heart of palm that is often seen in salads. The peach palm is a very nutritious and beloved snack in Costa Rica. During the season, they can be bought at any fruit stand, farmer's market, and in many grocery stores.
Peach palms only grow in tropical areas, so they are very popular in many countries in Central and South America. This delicious treat is easy to prepare but takes a little time. After the fruit is harvested, it must be boiled for several hours. When the cooking process of three to five hours is complete, the skin is removed, and the fruit is sliced open. There is a small pit inside that needs to be removed. Most people eat them with lime or mayonnaise. The taste is a mix between a cashew, a chestnut, and a potato; tasty and satisfying.
Peach palms are an excellent high-energy snack. They are full of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Each fruit also contains 2.6 grams (around a tenth of an ounce) of protein. They also have a solid amount of magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Costa Ricans not only consume them in their natural form but also turn them into cakes, stews, soups, and even liqueurs. It's definitely a fruit worth trying on a visit to Costa Rica, especially during the peach palm season.
