Ostrich Fern ..... (Right) (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Maidenhair Fern ..... ( Below) ( Polypodiophyta )
Photographs ©
Barbara Simpson
Ferns group Polypodiophyta occur
through Canada and are found in the Rouge in damp forested areas.
They reproduce by distributing spores through the air.
The Fiddlehead from the Ostrich Fern is considered a delicacy.
These ferns are best harvested when very young; still in the
coiled state; on the surface of the ground. Few know it, but you
are not allowed to harvest fiddlehead's in the Rouge Park; because of it's status as a Park.
Do Not Eat Fiddlehead's Raw. Fiddlehead's
must be cooked properly.
These are the cooking recommendations by the CDC (Center For
Disease Control USA) and CFIA (Canada Food Inspection Agency).
" Boil in lightly salted water or steam for
a minimum of 10 to 12 minutes or till fork tender, to ensure they
are safe for consumption." Only then it's safe to Saute,
or Microwave Fiddlehead's for consumption. First Nations Peoples
pickeled them for enjoyment all year. They are grown commercially,
and can be purchased in stores.
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