Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7-15. Dandelion.
Fiddleheads (bracken and ostrich ferns).
Collect young ferns in mid-spring, before the round
“fiddlehead” has started to unfurl (up to about 8 inches tall). Wash to remove fur or inedible
scales. I found the not-so-furry ostrich ferns much sweeter and not bitter like the furry bracken
ferns. Perhaps it was just due to local effects or the age of the fiddleheads? Steam or boil
fiddleheads to remove mild toxicity. Large quantities of mature bracken have been known to
poison cattle. Fiddleheads are an expensive delicacy in upscale restaurants. Please leave a few
fiddleheads in every cluster, as they will not return if you harvest the whole lot.
