Hearts of palm and Castelvetrano olives

[Jenise]

Two things noticed at Costco the other day: Jars of hearts of palm, two quart sized jars strapped together, that is. HoP is one of those Neiman-Marcus recipe kind of foods ladies' luncheon foods that was considered a big deal when I was a kid. And they've always been around in spendy little jars, but popular? Not where I live. I've never been served them out, out being either in a restaurant or someone else's home, and I've never been sure who buys them (except me when I'm feeling sentimental, as they remind me of my grandmother). Big surprise then to see them at Costco where mass popularity determines what they sell.

Castelvetrano olives: in the deli section, in pint-sized clamshells. An olive fiend myself, I'm nuts about castelvetranos and bought a tub. BAD CHOICE. These are vinegar-brined vs. the classic salt water brine, which cuts out all that nutty natural olive goodness. Avoid!

We love Hearts of Palm and they are always in my pantry. I buy them in glass jars at Trader Joe's and everyone that I have served them to, always asks what they are, and think they are very tasty. I use them in green salads, exclusively. They pair very well with cucumbers and avocado. Our 23 year old grandson, who is living with us for a few months, is being introduced to all sorts of foods at our home and loving it. Right now, his favorites are avocados, Hearts of Palm, home made salad dressings, and Japanese Sweet Potatoes. Fresh halibut, salmon are in second place, along with cooked potatoes. He tells me that in the part of Ohio he comes from, even potatoes in salads are only partially cooked. He is loving soft potatoes!?
I have never heard of the Castelvetrano olives...must look them up.

French Laundry has a beautiful, minimalist HoP salad.