Fiddleheads & Ramps Sauté is a Spring Favorite!

Spring has sprung and fiddleheads & ramps are here!

The first true sign of spring for me is when the spring seasonal produce starts appearing in the market. Fiddleheads and ferns are usually the firsts to catch my attention. Fiddlehead fern season runs mid thru late April and the window of availability is short. Buy them as soon as you see them because chances are they won't be there on your next trip to the market.

Now you're probably wondering, why would I want to eat them? They are quite strange looking. Simply put - they are easy to prepare, delicious, and you will impress your guests when you serve them! Fiddleheads have a unique look and taste. I would best compare them to asparagus with a grassy, earthy and delicately sweet taste.

What are Fiddlehead Ferns?

Fiddleheads come from the Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) known locally as the fiddlehead fern throughout New England and parts of Canada. They grow wild like dandelions and mainly in wet areas near brooks, rivers and lakes during late April, May and early June, dependent on when the snow has melted.

When purchasing fiddlehead ferns, look for tightly coiled and bright green ferns. Avoid ones that have a dark colored center as this indicates them being older.

Storage Tips for Fiddlehead Ferns

I recommend using them soon after purchase. But, if you do have to store them, clean the fiddleheads first. Then place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag to avoid them from drying out. Store them in a refrigerator for only a few days. You can prolong storage for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator by submerging them in cold water. It is best to change the water every 2 -3 days. If you really want the taste of fiddleheads in the fall/winter, they can be blanched, dried and placed in a plastic freezer bag for up to 9 months in the freezer.

How to clean clean & prep

To clean, put them in a bowl of cold water, and rub away the the papery brown husks. This is probably the most time consuming part but well worth the task. The stems are edible but I usually trim them down so they are under 2 inches in length.

They are best prepared by blanching or steaming first and then a quick sauté with garlic & oil. It is not recommended to eat them raw as they may contain contaminants that can make you feel ill.

And yes, fiddleheads are good for you! They are a source of omega-3’s, contain 2x as many antioxidants as blueberries and are loaded with fibre. A 1/2 cup serving will fill you up quickly.

Ramps are another spring time favorite!

I love the flavor of ramps! They taste stronger than a leek, which generally has a mild onion flavor, and are more pungently garlicky than a scallion.

Cooking Tip: You can use ramps in almost any recipe you would use scallions or spring onions.

Ramps are a North American species of wild onion and are grown widespread across eastern Canada and the eastern United States.

Why do chefs get excited about ramps?

It's anticipation for something that has become popular, quantities are limited and the season is short. They are a bit pricey too running as much as $20 per pound or $5 a bunch.

Just like fiddleheads, use them shortly after purchasing so they don't wilt. It would be terrible to miss the boat on using them while they are vibrant, green and fresh!

They are quite dirty so be sure to clean them well. I recommend trimming the root tips off and gently rinsing them under running water getting in between the crevices where all the mud likes to hide. Then gently pat them dry with paper towels.

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