If you happen to come across an ostrich fern ( Matteuccia struthiopteris) while foraging for wild edible plants you may be wondering if it is safe to eat. The short answer is yes ostrich ferns are edible. But as with any wild plant it is always best to err on the side of caution and make sure you have properly identified the plant before consuming it.
Ostrich ferns are a type of fern that gets its name from its large feathery fronds that resemble the tail feathers of an ostrich. The fronds of an ostrich fern can grow to be up to 6 feet long! The plant is native to North America where it can be found growing in damp shady areas in woodland ecosystems.
While ostrich ferns are safe to eat they are not necessarily the tastiest of plants. The young unfurled fronds (known as fiddleheads) are the most palatable part of the plant and can be eaten raw or cooked. Once the fronds have fully unfurled they become tough and fibrous and are best used as decoration or in arrangements.
If you do choose to eat ostrich ferns it is important to cook them first. Cooking helps to break down the plant’s cellulose walls making them more digestible and less likely to cause gastrointestinal distress. blanching the ferns in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before sauteeing or steaming them is sufficient.
While ostrich ferns are not the most common of edible plants they can be a fun and interesting addition to your wild food repertoire. Just make sure to properly identify the plant before consuming it and cook the fiddleheads before eating them to minimize any digestive issues.
Is an ostrich fern edible?
Answer: Yes the young fiddleheads of ostrich ferns are edible.
What does an ostrich fern look like?
Answer: An ostrich fern has a long thin stem with a blade-like leaf coming off of it.
The leaf is usually green but can turn red or brown in the fall.
Where do ostrich ferns grow?
Answer: Ostrich ferns are found in moist areas such as woods bogs and along streams.
When do ostrich ferns grow?
Answer: Ostrich ferns grow in the spring.
How do you harvest ostrich ferns?
Answer: To harvest ostrich ferns cut the young fiddleheads off of the plant before they unfurl.
How do you prepare ostrich ferns?
Answer: Ostrich ferns can be boiled steamed or cooked in stir-fries.
What do ostrich ferns taste like?
Answer: Ostrich ferns have a mild slightly nutty flavor.
Are there any benefits to eating ostrich ferns?
Answer: Yes ostrich ferns are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber.
Are there any risks to eating ostrich ferns?
Answer: If you are allergic to ferns you should not eat ostrich ferns.
Additionally only eat cooked ostrich ferns as raw fiddleheads can cause stomach upset.
Where can you buy ostrich ferns?
Answer: You can sometimes find ostrich ferns at farmers markets or specialty grocery stores.
How long do ostrich ferns last?
Answer: Cooked ostrich ferns will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can you freeze ostrich ferns?
Answer: Yes you can freeze cooked ostrich ferns.
What is the best way to store ostrich ferns?
Answer: The best way to store ostrich ferns is to keep them in the fridge in an airtight container.
How many calories are in an ostrich fern?
Answer: There are approximately 25 calories in a cup of cooked ostrich ferns.
What is the nutritional value of an ostrich fern?
Answer: Ostrich ferns are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber.
