Wellsley Farms Hearts Of Palm

Searching for a tasty, nutritious addition to your recipes? Look no further than Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm. As an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these versatile palm hearts can be used in a variety of dishes from salads to tacos and more.

But before stocking up on these canned delicacies, it’s helpful to understand exactly what you’re getting. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm, from nutrition information to cost and availability.

What Are Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm?

Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm are the edible inner core of palm plants, harvested from the stems before the leaves emerge. They have a tender, mildly sweet flavor and meaty texture similar to artichoke hearts.

The specific variety used in Wellsley Farms products is peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), cultivated mostly in Hawaii and Central/South America. This sustainable crop thrives in tropical climates and produces high yields without depleting wild palm populations.

Wellsley Farms packages their hearts of palm in both water and saltwater brines. This preserves freshness and infuses additional flavor. The cans contain 8.5 ounces of pre-cut hearts of palm slices, cleaned and ready to eat.

Where to Buy Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm

Wellsley Farms is one of the store brands of BJ’s Wholesale Club. So the easiest place to find their hearts of palm is right at BJ’s locations across the eastern and central United States.

You can also purchase Wellsley Farms products online through the BJ’s website or grocery delivery services like Instacart. Just search for “Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm” to add it to your cart.

If you don’t have a BJ’s membership, many third party resellers offer Wellsley Farms items on platforms like Amazon and Walmart.com. Just double check that pricing and shipping costs make sense.

Availability and Price at BJ’s Wholesale Club

The good news is Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm are regularly stocked at BJ’s Wholesale Clubs. They offer two versions year-round:

• Hearts of Palm in Water – Typically $4.99 for four 8.5 oz cans
• Hearts of Palm in Salted Water – Typically $4.99 for four 8.5 oz cans

Occasional sales and coupons can bring those prices down further. BJ’s also carries a Wellsley Farms Organic Hearts of Palm version for $6.99 per four cans.

The per-can cost is very reasonable, especially when purchased in bulk packs of four. Shopping at BJ’s gets you the best value on these pantry staples.

Organic and Dietary Options

While the classic Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm contain no artificial ingredients, they are not certified organic.

BJ’s does offer an Organic Hearts of Palm choice with USDA certification. These cost slightly more but provide the same great quality.

All varieties of Wellsley Farms hearts of palm are gluten-free and keto-friendly. With only 5g net carbs per serving, they fit low-carb, paleo, and other high protein diets.

For vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, double check the label for any animal-derived ingredients. Some brining liquids contain chicken stock.

Nutritional Value

One serving (1/2 cup) of Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm delivers:

• 70 calories
• 13g carbohydrates
• 8g fiber
• 5g protein
• 15% DV vitamin C
• 8% DV iron
• 6% DV potassium

They are naturally low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium (unless packed in salted water). The high fiber and nutrient content makes them a wholesome addition to your plate.

Keto Friendly

With 5g of net carbs per serving, hearts of palm can fit into ketogenic diets. Their fiber content slows digestion, preventing spikes in blood sugar.

Pair a half cup serving with proteins and fats like chicken, olive oil, avocado, walnuts, or salmon. This balances out the carbs to stay in ketosis.

Or try thinly sliced hearts of palm in place of higher carb noodles or rice in dishes like stir fries. They offer a satisfying crunch without disrupting ketosis.

Canned vs. Jarred

You’ll find Wellsley Farms hearts of palm packed two ways:

Canned

• More common
• Lower cost
• Sturdy for pantry storage
• Easy pop-top opening

Jarred

• Glass jar packaging
• Allows visibility of product
• Often used for organic options
• Must be refrigerated after opening

Both provide the same convenience and quality. Choose based on your budget and packaging preferences.

Preservatives

Wellsley Farms hearts of palm contain no artificial preservatives. Their shelf stability comes from:

• Naturally acidic brining liquid
• Heat processing during canning
• Vacuum sealing

Citric acid may be added to reinforce the protective pH levels. Overall, the ingredient list is simple and natural.

Suitable for Vegans

Always verify the ingredients, as some packing liquids contain animal products.

However, the classic Wellsley Farms hearts of palm use vegan ingredients:

• Hearts of palm
• Water
• Salt
• Citric acid

This makes them suitable for plant-based, vegan diets. The peptides give a substantial meaty texture without any animal sources.

Recipe Ideas

The light flavor and versatility of Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm allows them to work in many dishes:

• Salads – Mixed greens, chickpeas, avocado, hearts of palm, lemon vinaigrette
• Tacos – Hearts of palm, sautéed peppers and onions, black beans, salsa
• Stir fries – With seasonal veggies and tofu or chicken over cauliflower rice
• Soups – Garnish hearty vegetable and bean soups
• Seafood dishes – Complement white fish or shrimp
• Snacks – Stuff into pitas or wraps; dip in hummus

Get creative with this pantry staple! The possibilities are endless.

Shelf Life

Properly stored, unopened cans of Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm last 2-3 years.

Once opened, transfer unused portions to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 7-10 days.

For best quality and safety, use within the timeframe printed on the packaging. Look for expiration or Best By dates on the bottom of cans.

Low Calorie

With only 70 calories per serving, hearts of palm make a slimming swap for starchy sides. Their substantial texture and fiber content leaves you feeling full.

Replace pasta, rice, or bread with sliced hearts of palm. Or add them to salads for a nutrition boost.

This allows you to cut calories without sacrificing satisfaction.

How They Compare to Other Brands

Wellsley Farms provides exceptional quality at a very reasonable price point. They compare well to national brands like Del Monte.

In particular, Wellsley Farms uses sustainably grown peach palm. Many competitors still source hearts of palm from overharvested wild palm trees.

The BJ’s store brand also avoids artificial additives found in some other prepared foods. Plus you’ll save money shopping at warehouse prices.

Sustainably Sourced

Wellsley Farms hearts of palm come from peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), not endangered wild palm varieties.

Peach palm is sustainably cultivated as an agricultural crop, mostly in Hawaii and Central/South America. This prevents depletion of native palm species.

Support responsible sourcing of this delicious pantry staple by choosing the Wellsley Farms brand.

Eat Them Raw or Cooked

Thanks to jar sterilization or canning, Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm can be enjoyed:

• Raw right out of the package
• Added to cold salads
• Warmed through in cooked dishes

There’s no need to cook them first for food safety. Rinse before using to remove excess sodium or brine.

Quick pickling or marinating raw hearts of palm boosts flavor. Then enjoy atop salads, tacos, bowls and more.

Sodium Content

Choosing hearts of palm packed in water provides 160mg sodium per serving. The salted water version has 250mg sodium.

For a low-sodium alternative, seek out Wellsley Farms Organic Hearts of Palm. These contain no added salt or preservatives.

Rinsing canned hearts of palm before use can also decrease overall sodium levels. Balance them out by pairing with fresh foods.

Replacing Starchy Carbs

With their meaty, substantial texture, hearts of palm make an excellent substitute for pasta, rice, or bread.

Try sliced hearts of palm in place of noodles in Asian-inspired dishes. Roast larger spears along with veggies. Or toss cubes into salads instead of croutons.

This allows you to cut back on starch and boost nutrition in meals. The fiber in hearts of palm helps regulate blood sugar as well.

Rave Reviews

Customers agree Wellsley Farms offers fantastic quality and value. Here’s what they’re saying:

• “Tender, not mushy at all. Great price at BJ’s.”
• “Nice alternative to regular pasta or rice dishes.”
• “Holds up well when warmed through in recipes.”
• “We use these in tacos, stir fries, salads, and more.”
• “My favorite way to get more veggies in.”
• “Good source of nutrients and stays fresh for a while.”
• “I appreciate that these are sustainably grown.”

Based on the glowing feedback, Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm deliver on all fronts. They’re nutritious, delicious, and responsibly sourced.

The Verdict

For exceptional taste and nutrition at a budget-friendly price, Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm are a pantry essential.

They offer a wealth of vitamins, minerals, fiber and plant-based protein. With just 70 calories per serving, they make an ideal low-carb swap for starchy sides.

Sourced sustainably from peach palm, these tender, mildly sweet hearts of palm provide an eco-friendly alternative to water-intensive rice or pasta.

Stock up on the canned or jarred versions at your local BJ’s Wholesale Club. Or order online and enjoy convenient delivery straight to your door.

Add these versatile hearts of palm to tacos, stir fries, soups, salads, and more. Their neutral flavor and meaty texture complements any dish.

For superb quality you can feel good about, look no further than Wellsley Farms Hearts of Palm. This buying guide covers everything you need to purchase and enjoy this nutritious pantry staple.