Fiddleheads, A to Z

Thought I would give a post on the harvest and preparation of fiddleheads...

The edible fiddleheads in our area are the furled fronds of the " Ostrich Fern" Generally to be found in low marshy areas in May of the year, they are recognizable by the tight green curl partially covered by a silvery brown husk..

To pick just bend opposite to the plant and they will break off , the norm is seven fronds per but only harvest 3-4 as to pick more could kill the plant..

We clean them under running water removing any husk or dirt, then we blanch them for 3 min for freezing or boil 10 min plus or steam for 10-15 min for immediate dining.. "DO NOT' consume them raw or under cooked ..can cause issues with stomach..

I have included pix of fiddleheads in their growing stage, uncleaned,blanched,bagged and with cheese (our fav)

Reason for posting now is so those who have not enjoyed this great natures treat can identify the mature plants now so as to go back
to that area next spring...

Hope pix turn out

Dave

Blanched

Giant "HEADS"

Seal bagged with "DOLUP"n of butter and a bit of garlic salt, just boil and serve later

One of our favs is "Heads with melted cheese, or just butter with a bit of seasoning.

Mature plants for reference for next springs picking..

Guys this is from our own experience , sure we all have our methods and recipies , but no matter how you cut it they taste dam good...

Dave

Head with Cheese, LMFAO.

nice harvest Dave.

Thanks for posting, Dave! I am just starting to learn more about foraging wild edibles and appreciate the information. Photos were great.

Great post Dave thanks

Great post. I have been picking and enjoying them for years. Nothing like a spring rainbow trout and fresh picked fiddleheads. Also can't beat wild leeks and moral mushrooms in a spaghetti sauce.

Thanks for the post... My dad passed away in 2010 and never got a chance to find out where he picked them and I can't recall the spots as I was much younger when we went and picked them .. He always said
I was better at eating them than picking... Lol.... He did them up all different ways but my favorite way was
pickled fiddles..
Good luck on you fiddle hunt next year and if you want some company just let me know via the board....

Cheers fishmagnet / Dave. B

Hey steelheader, Costco wants to know when to expect delivery.

It all looks great!!


fishmagnet, cool blurb about you and your Dad.


tuna

Steelheader, that was a fine post. I picked them as a kid with my mother. They are great! I moved to the country 3 years ago and ferns abound here. I try to remind myself every spring to keep my eyes open but always forget.

This year is another one. DOH!