Syagrus oleracea
Without the hearts of this palm tree native to the Brazilian savannah, the Cerrado, bitter and firmer in texture, there would be no filling for the Empadão goiano (Goiás Savory Pie), which also features chicken, peas, cheese and pork sausage. Also called gariroba and palmito- amargoso, among other names, it is used to complement everyday meals, especially in Goiás and Minas Gerais, adding flavor to salads. It is also the star ingredient in a rice dish from Mato Grosso do Sul. But sourcing this ingredient is not that simple, as this palm tree is currently listed by Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) as a vulnerable species, which imposes a series of standards that have to be met when cultivating and extracting bitter coconut palm.
