Look For
Look for a tight coil and only an inch or two of stem beyond the coil. Choose small, firm, brightly coloured fiddleheads with no signs of softness or yellowing.
To Store
Fresh fiddleheads keep well cooled and tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out for up to 3 days. After blanching and freezing, fiddleheads will keep for several months in the freezer, especially if they are allowed to dry out slightly before being frozen, so that ice crystals do not ruin them.
To Prepare
Fiddleheads can be roasted, grilled, boiled or sautéed. Always boil fiddleheads in water for at least 15 minutes before any use.