How to Cut Swamp Cabbage in Central Florida

Also known as the sabal palm and palmetto palm, the swamp cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) is the state tree of Florida and can be found scattered through the swamps, ponds and marshes of the state. Because it's the state tree, it is illegal to harvest wild cabbage palm without prior authorization from the landowner. However, you can grow a cabbage palm in your own yard and harvest its core for consumption. Be aware that harvesting the tree's edible core will kill the cabbage palm.

Ladder
Hacksaw
Chainsaw
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until the mature cabbage palm has grown to between 10 and 14 feet tall from the tree's base to the tip. Any taller, and it's difficult to access the area of the tree's core, or heart. Make sure the tree's trunk and leaves appear robust and healthy.
- 2
  Prop a ladder against the tree and begin removing the cabbage palm's large fronds at their bases, using a hacksaw. The fronds are sometimes large, and this is a labor-intensive process that can take several hours.
- 3
  Cut the tree approximately 2 to 3 feet from its tip with a hacksaw or chainsaw. Carefully remove the 2- to 3-foot section of the tree and bring it down the ladder. Once it's on the ground, sever any “boots” -- or remaining stems -- at the portion's base with the hacksaw.
- 4
  Cut a vertical incision down the length of your cabbage palm chunk with a sharp knife. Grasp either cut end of the cabbage palm and begin slowly peeling away the bark. If necessary, create more vertical cuts before peeling away the remaining bark. Continue until all the bark is removed. What remains is the cabbage palm's heart, or a white cylinder that weighs approximately 5 to 10 pounds, according to the University of Florida Extension.

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