Edible Ferns

04/26/2012

 

FIDDLEHEAD FERNS

The tightly coiled frond of young ferns is referred to as fiddleheads because it looks like the scroll of a violin.  Many wild ferns are edible but the Ostrich fern is the most commonly eaten.  Its tender green fiddlehead is delicious fresh, sauted, or boiled.  (see cooking instructions below)

PREPARING FIDDLEHEAD FERNS TO EAT 

  1. Clip stems from fern heads and remove any brown chaff  then wash thoroughly.
  2.  Blanch heads in a 3 minute boil to destroy toxins followed by a cold water bath.
  3. Saute the ferns in a tablespoon of butter over medium heat until tender.
  4. The tastes is similar to asparagus and raw green beans.  It is a taste of spring.

"Old timers" say the best way to eat fiddleheads is along the streamon an open fire.  All that is needed is a stick of butter, a pan, and a fishing rod.  Fry up the fish and tender fiddleheads in a pan of butter and enjoy a delicious breakfast along the stream on a beautiful spring day.  Does life get any better than this? 
 


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