Fiddlehead Fern Forest, photo by otisourcat

While morels get the most love at this time of year, fiddleheads are another tasty treat that’s popping up in the woods of Michigan. Wikipedia of course has a fiddlehead entry, Michigan-based food grower Earthy Delights has better info. They say:

A Fiddlehead is a fern so young and new that it hasn’t yet “unfurled” and opened its leaves. The end is still curled in a tight spiral, ready to unroll as the sun warms it and it gathers strength and size. This spiral shape reminds many people of the end of a violin, hence the name “Fiddlehead.”

Early Spring signals the arrival of “Fiddlehead season,” when aficionados begin combing the riverbanks and forest floor.

The flavor? It has been described as similar to green beans with a hint of artichoke. But descriptions do not begin to capture the flavor. You must try them to know the wonderful flavor and delightful crunch of Fiddleheads.

Earthy actually grows and ships fiddleheads, and they have several recipes including Sauteed Fiddlehead Ferns with Parsley and Garlic, Steamed Fiddleheads With Wild Leek Greens and (my favorite) Spring Wild Harvest Ragout With Fiddlehead Greens & Morels.

otisourcat took this photo at the Muskegon State Park and got this tasty shot as well!