The edible tips of ostrich ferns are a forager’s delight.
Find out where to look for fiddlehead ferns and how to prepare them.
When you hear the word “fern,” many things might come to mind.
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Rarely would your mind immediately land on delectable spring produce.
That is, if you know what to do with them once you buy them.
What Are Fiddleheads?
Fiddleheads are the new-growth shoot tips of the ostrich fern, sometimes referred to as fiddlehead ferns.
They are named for their scroll-like appearance, which hearkens to the tip of a violin or fiddle.
Harvested in spring, these green curls are delicious when prepared properly.
Where Do Fiddleheads Grow?
How Do You Identify Fiddlehead Ferns?
The shoots of the ostrich fern are one of the most commonly consumed fiddleheads in the U.S.
They will also have a defining deep groove on the underside of the stem.
Where Can You Buy Fiddleheads?
you might just pull them away, or wipe them off with a damp paper towel.
Lift them from the water, dump out the dirty water and rinse out the bowl.
Repeat two to three times until you see no more debris in the water.
How to Cook Fiddleheads
Fiddleheads need to be cleaned and cooked before eating them.
Once cleaned, trim any browned or shriveled parts from the stem end.
you’re able to then steam the fiddleheads for 10 minutes or boil them for 15 minutes.
If you want to saute them, it’s recommended that you steam or boil the fiddleheads first.
What Do Cooked Fiddleheads Taste Like?
Fiddleheads are often described as having a flavor that is sort of halfway between asparagus and mild broccoli stems.
Or try our recipe forThe Best Sauteed Fiddleheads with Lemon & Garlic.
They are low in calories and carbs and contain some protein.
