Who would ever think of harvesting the top curls of a fern? The answer: the French. Fiddleheads are the curly top of a young fern. They have been a normal part of the French diet since the Middle Ages. I myself haven't tried them, but from what I've heard they have the flavor of a grassy asparagus. Like many other vegetables, fiddleheads are steamed or boiled and served hot or cold. When hot, they might be served with a hollandaise sauce or just butter and lemon. When cold they are usually tossed in a salad or served with mayonnaise. Fiddleheads contain many nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6, and dietary fiber, as well as low sodium amounts.
I found some recipes featuring fiddleheads that sound pretty good... click on the links to see the full recipe. Thanks to Food Network and marksdailyapple.com!
Morel and Fiddlehead Fern Ragout:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/morel-and-fiddlehead-fern-ragout-recipe/index.html
Grilled Swordfish and Fiddlehead Ferns with Tomato Basil Salsa:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-swordfish-and-fiddleheads-with-tomato-basil-salsa-recipe/index.html
Fiddlehead Ferns with Bacon, Browned Garlic and Onion, and White Wine Reduction:
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fiddlehead-ferns-with-bacon-browned-garlic-and-onion-and-white-wine-reduction/
Have fun!
Lexie
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