Fiddle ferns?

[Vegan Princess]

My friend from NYC told me about fiddle ferns. I'd never heard of them...I think they are an east coast thing. I found some hiding in the market today for $13/lb. I'm curious what they're like. Is there any way to prepare them raw? I think she said she sauteed hers. Anyone know what I'm talking about?:p

Cindy

[RowanC]

If these are fiddleneck ferns, why buy them?
Just get an herb book and go out and pick them in the Spring.
I think it's probably too late now almost everywhere except extreme north.

Anyway.. yes you can eat them raw.
You might want to try pickling them in some applecider vinegar and seasalt for a nice treat.

[juliebove]

Also called fiddleheads. I've seen recipes for them but all cooked. I don't know if you can eat them raw or not but since they are purported to taste like asparagus, they are not something I've been tempted to try.

[KatK]

I had heard from friends who pick them here in NH that you shouldn't eat them raw. Here's what one website said:

http://www.wild-harvest.com/pages/fiddlehead.htm


Fiddleheads should not be served raw as they have a slight bitterness until cooked and may cause stomach upset if eaten raw in quantity. Health Canada advises that fresh fiddleheads must be properly cooked before being consumed.

[kiropa]

i've had them cooked (sauteed) & they were yummy. something different.

no idea about raw.

cooked -- they kind of reminded me of zucchini...

[Vegan Princess]

Thanks guys. I guess I won't buy them to eat raw. I'm somewhat curious about what they taste like cooked, but I've lived without them up until now, so I guess I'll survive if I keep going without them.

Cindy

[Naiad]

Thanks guys. I guess I won't buy them to eat raw. I'm somewhat curious about what they taste like cooked, but I've lived without them up until now, so I guess I'll survive if I keep going without them.

Cindy

I had a delicious (cooked) meal with fiddleheads last June. They were awesome, especially with ramps and shallots.

I saw a food blog mention them last week and looked them up on the web, seeing if they could be eaten raw, maybe with sprouted quinoa... and yep... no go. Ah well! :(