Doylestown Farmers' Market

Mon Dec 29, 2014 9:50 am

New market posted: http://scenesfromapublicmarket.com/#4854

Located about 30 miles north of Philadelphia, PA.

On this trip, I had the great fortune to meet and spend some time with David (Des219) and his family. He gave me some good tips on other markets to visit on a future trip!

Sun Jan 04, 2015 8:47 pm

great gallery!

are those curly things fern sprouts?

Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:58 am

Matt wrote:great gallery!

are those curly things fern sprouts?

Thanks!

Yes. They are called Fiddleheads because they look like the scroll of a violin or other stringed instrument. The fronds are harvested before they unfurl and are eaten as a vegetable. Only available during a few weeks in the springtime, I guess I hit this market during that window. I can't recall seeing them at any other market ever, but I was familiar with them. I have never eaten one, so I can't verify this description of their taste: "Fiddleheads have a grassy, spring-like flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Many people agree that they taste like a cross between asparagus and young spinach. Some detect an artichoke flavor as well, and even a bit of mushroom." Seems like it would be accurate.

In general, they are harvested by foraging, as one might for mushrooms. It's best to leave it to the experts, as some ferns, like mushrooms, are poisonous.