How to Clean Fiddlehead Ferns

Fiddlehead ferns are the coiled heads of the ostrich fern that grow profusely along stream banks from parts of Canada to the as far south as Virginia. Fiddleheads are a springtime delicacy that are packed with vitamins and minerals. Picking them is quick and easy, but cleaning fiddlehead ferns poses a challenge, thanks to a brown, papery protective sheath. Failing to remove this brown, papery sheath results in bitter fiddleheads.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Brown paper bag

Instructions

1. Pick fiddleheads on a dry, sunny day to minimize cleaning. Wet fiddleheads are difficult to clean, as the papery chaff and other plant debris cling to the plant.

2. Leave a 2-inch stem on the fiddlehead. Unbeknownst to many, the stem is tasty and tender if fiddleheads are only a few inches from the ground. More mature fiddleheads may develop a stringy or woody stalk.

3. Open a large, heavy-duty brown paper bag. Grasp three or four fiddleheads by the stem and hold them inside the bag. Snap you wrist quickly to hit the fiddleheads against the inside of the bag. The papery chaff and any other plant debris will be knocked free of the fiddleheads.

4. Immerse the fiddleheads in a bowl or bucket of cold water. Mix the water with your hands to loosen any remaining residue. Scoop off any plant material that floats to the top. Drain the fiddleheads.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean wet fiddleheads, or fiddleheads with short stems, by rinsing them under cold water, or immersing them in several water baths.

References

• Ostrich Fern