fiddleheads

iddleheads are the newly sprouted and unfurled heads of ferns.  Around these parts they're kind of an early spring delicacy.  They appeal to the ex hippie, back to the woods, locavore types.  I noticed a box full of local fiddleheads prominently displayed at the Golden  Harvest the other day.  Apparently they're high in anti-oxidants, omega acids, and fibre.  My only brush with fiddleheads as a food source was back in the 70s when our friend Helen invited us to dinner and served fiddleheads.  I mean that's all she served.  A giant main course fiddlehead salad.  As I remember it the evening seemed endless. 

curious? click here for a Warm Fiddlehead Salad recipe

 But there are other reasons to like fiddleheads.  

Ferns are ancient plants, and their embryonic spiral form is echoed over and over in nature.

from the double helix of DNA, to a spiral galaxy,

to clouds in tropical storms and blizzards

to these swirling eddies seen from space.

Their beautiful curve is evidenced in ancient paisleys all the way up to fractal geometry.

 

The fiddlehead with its curving backbone and unfurling leafy limbs beautifully brings to mind the structural commonalities of the natural world.  I love watching them pop up in the front yard.
I just prefer not to have to eat them!