Feasting on Fiddlehead

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By Laura Cochrane
Posted February 24th, 2012
Category Food & Beverage

Photo by Flickr user cbcastro
Have you ever eaten fiddlehead? Fiddleheads are the furled shoots of certain varieties of young ferns, and according to Wikipedia, fiddlehead is part of the traditional diet in northern France, in parts of Asia, and among Native Americans. They are not cultivated, so they’re only available seasonally. And that season is… early spring!
Some delicious-looking fiddlehead recipes:

Fiddlehead and Gruyere Tart

Pickled Fiddlehead

Pickling seems like a great option for extending the life of fiddleheads, since they don’t keep well at all. Crunchy, pickle-y, yum!

Prawn Fiddlehead Salad

Fiddlehead Carbonara

Risotto with Fiddleheads, Favas, and Snow Peas

In the Maker Shed

5 Responses to Feasting on Fiddlehead

Tracy A. on February 25th, 2012 at 4:13 am said:

“Feasting on fiddleheads” is a feast for the eyes! The photos are just lovely. Fiddleheads have such a “nautilus” look to them!

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Ellen G on February 28th, 2012 at 11:54 am said:

Fiddleheads are delicious! But be careful. If cooked improperly, they can cause extreme intestinal discomfort. Not all recipes clearly indicate a minimum cook time, which is important. But once they’re cooked, feast away!

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Joy on February 29th, 2012 at 12:16 pm said:

Just a little note for those who might not know. Many native ferns are endangered plants. Please check with your local DNR (most states list the plants for that state online) before gathering these precious ferns for cooking.
Many varieties of ferns are endangered species in the US and there are hefty fines for disturbing them in any manner, whether cutting for cooking or replanting native species on your property.
Some of these ferns are nearing extinction and the growth in the spring is their only method of propagation.

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ARMAND L. PELLETIER on April 14th, 2012 at 1:34 pm said:

i need to know of an address where i can order canned fiddleheads. i live in deltona, fl. please email me.

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Laura Cochrane on April 16th, 2012 at 12:14 pm said:

You can order them on Amazon. It is seasonal, and they state that the harvest is in May.
http://www.amazon.com/Belle-Maine-Fiddlehead-15oz-Unit/dp/B00152IBD0

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