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Fiddlehead Ferns Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to fiddlehead ferns
About fiddlehead ferns
Fiddlehead ferns are the tightly rolled shoots of the ostrich fern. These vegetables are highly prized in the United States and Canada and are available fresh only for a short period of time in the spring. Fiddlehead ferns are typically collected in the wild, in temperate woodland areas. They often pop up near creeks and streams in bunches. They grow in the wild from the north-central to the eastern United States and throughout Canada.
These green delicacies are often said to have a nutty aroma. The fiddlehead fern has a grassy flavor that reminds many of asparagus and baby spinach. Some also detect notes of mushrooms. Because of the green, crisp, and earthy flavors that fiddlehead ferns offer, they pair exceptionally well with spring and summer dinners.
Fiddlehead ferns can be difficult to find, but some specialty grocery stores offer them. Check the stores in your area to see if you can find fiddlehead ferns to turn your dinner into an instant conversation starter.
How to pick out fiddlehead ferns
As we mentioned above, you will find the freshest fiddlehead ferns during early spring. However, some producers grow, harvest, and prepare fiddlehead ferns to be more readily available outside of the wild growth harvesting season. When shopping for fiddlehead ferns, look for their tell-tale coiled tops. These should be tight.
If you shop for fiddlehead ferns outside of their normal growing season, you might have a better chance of finding them frozen or pickled. Though these methods allow more people to enjoy fiddlehead ferns year-round, they may change the way you approach preparing them for dinner.
Tips for cooking fiddlehead ferns
Preparing fiddlehead ferns starts with a thorough rinsing. Bathe your fiddlehead ferns multiple times to remove dirt from their tight coils. Try to avoid eating raw fiddlehead ferns, as they can contain food-borne illnesses.
Generally, fiddlehead ferns are steamed or sauteed in butter. You can also boil them for about 6-8 minutes. A good rule of thumb is to serve fiddlehead ferns with any dish you would pair with asparagus. Serve fiddlehead ferns as sides for entrees that feature bold citrus or buttery flavors.
Be careful not to overcook your fiddlehead ferns. You might consider serving them with butter, lemon, or hollandaise sauce. Most recipes feature the picturesque fiddlehead fern on their own as a side, though they may also fare well in soups, pasta, and salads.
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FAQs about fiddlehead ferns
Fiddlehead ferns are good sources of iron as well as vitamins A, B2, B3, and C. Here are the basic nutritional facts for 100 grams of raw fiddlehead ferns:
- Calories: 34
- Total fat: 0.4 grams (1% DV)
- Sodium: 1 milligram (0% DV)
- Total carbohydrates: 5.5 grams (2% DV)
- Protein: 4.6 grams (9% DV)
- Calcium: 32 milligrams (2% DV)
- Iron: 1.31 milligrams (7% DV)
- Potassium: 370 milligrams (8% DV)
- Vitamin A: 72% DV
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
A word to the wise: do not try to harvest your own wild fiddlehead ferns if you do not know what you're looking for. If you accidentally harvest the shoots of another fern, you may find yourself with a toxic dinner. Stick to professionally collected or grown fiddlehead ferns, or use a guide to collect fresh ones yourself.
If you purchase frozen or pickled fiddlehead ferns, try to keep them frozen or in their jar to preserve them. If you're able to find fresh fiddlehead ferns, you should rinse them and dry them completely. Store them in plastic wrap and place them in the coldest parts of your refrigerator. Keep in mind that as soon as fiddleheads are harvested, they will begin to brown and dry out. If you have fresh fiddleheads, use them as soon as possible or freeze them to maintain their flavor.
For the best results in freezing your fiddleheads, blanch them first. Avoid clumping by flash-freezing your fiddleheads before you place them into a freezer bag. When you're ready to use them again, boil or steam them while they're still frozen. Pickling fiddlehead ferns is another easy and popular way of preserving them, although the process somewhat alters their taste.
Instacart makes shopping for everything from specialty items like fiddlehead ferns to everyday items easier than ever. If you want to save yourself some time that would otherwise be spent wandering the grocery store, download the Instacart app or visit our website today. Through Instacart, you can shop at many of your favorite stores to load your virtual cart with everything you need to restock your home or find the ingredients you need for tonight's dinner. Order for delivery or pick-up and let the Instacart shoppers head out for you so you can tackle the rest of your day!