Fiddleheads - Delicious, Nutritious and Rarely Used in the UK

These odd looking shoots are indeed edible. I first encountered this very visual and unique vegetable when I worked as a Chef in New Hampshire, USA. They are not cultivated, and  are actually the furled fronds of a young fern, another very seasonal Spring vegetable.


Fiddleheads have antioxidant activity, are a source of Omega 3 and Omega 6, and are high in iron and fibre. They are typically steamed or boiled before being eaten hot, with hollandaise sauce or butter and lemon, or chilled, in salad or with mayonnaise.


I imagine it's only a matter of time before the UK discovers this somewhat specialist vegetable, so keep your eyes peeled - one for keen foragers to look out for!