What is Swamp Cabbage?

A unique food source consumed during scarce times by early pioneers

Sometimes referred to as the "Heart of Palm," swamp cabbage is the center core of the Sabal Palm Tree.  Harvesting this edible portion of the plant results in the death of the tree.


For hundreds of years, cabbage palms have provided food and building materials to those living

in modern-day Florida. Native American communities made great use of the cabbage palm,

given its abundance and the quality of its wood for construction. The cabbage palm wood quality

was proven further in the early days of the Revolutionary War as it was used in the construction

of many coastal forts. Notably, a force of Patriots successfully repelled a British naval attack due

to the sturdy construction of their fort thanks to the cabbage palm. In modern times, this tree has

seen enormous popularity as an ornamental plant due to its beauty and resistance to

environmental conditions. This honorable tree is resistant to hurricanes, sea spray, and

temperatures down to around fifteen degrees!


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