Sheath-Steamed Palm Heart with Lemon Butter

Steam Hawaiian palm heart “marrow” in the “bone” for spectacular simplicity. Supple, sweet, and juicy, it suggests a blend of Brazil nuts and asparagus. The natural casing, once cooked, is easily trimmed to form glossy ivory containers in which to serve the sliced rounds of palm heart. Although stems vary in size and weight, about 20 inches long and 2 pounds is typical.