How do you get sago?

Sago is a starch extracted from the spongy centre, or pith, of various tropical palm trees, especially those of the genus Metroxylon. The sago palms are cut down and the pith is removed. The pith is then crushed and washed to remove the starch. The starch is then dried and can be used to make various food products, such as sago pudding and sago pearls.