Where to Find Fiddlehead Ferns IRL?

[Umbra of Emberspike]

There's a recipe in the official Stardew Valley Cookbook for Fiddlehead Risotto and I'm planning to cook it sometime this Spring.

I know that IRL, they bloom at a very specific time of year for only a little while. But they also seem to not be advertised in many local stores or nearby places.

I was wondering if anyone could look online for potential places to order them from and get back to me on that?

For that matter, could someone also tell me where to find "Tokyo Turnips"? They are an ingredient for the IRL Roots Platter and I've had no luck finding them. When I did cook them, I had to substitute daikon radishes.

 

[Grumples]

With just a cursory search, it looks like there are quite a few options online for fiddlehead ferns. They may not ship to your location though, depending on where you live.

Do you have a Whole Foods store near you? Or something similar? That may be your best bet, if you're wanting to shop locally. Even if they're not advertised, they may have what you're looking for. Or be able to direct you to the best option.

 

[Umbra of Emberspike]

With just a cursory search, it looks like there are quite a few options online for fiddlehead ferns. They may not ship to your location though, depending on where you live.

Do you have a Whole Foods store near you? Or something similar? That may be your best bet, if you're wanting to shop locally. Even if they're not advertised, they may have what you're looking for. Or be able to direct you to the best option.

There is a Whole Foods in my town, but they either do not carry them, or don't announce them until post-harvest.

I've just now seen reports of them being at a place called "Trader Joe's". Can anyone with one in their town confirm this possibility?

 

[SapphireWings]

There is a Whole Foods in my town, but they either do not carry them, or don't announce them until post-harvest.

I've just now seen reports of them being at a place called "Trader Joe's". Can anyone with one in their town confirm this possibility?

I don’t shop at Trader Joe’s, but one of my neighbors has mentioned getting them there before. She said it was a scramble to get though, apparently they are really popular in my area and sell out quick.

 

[FilthyGorilla]

Yeah if out actually foraging for them it really depends on the subclimate you live in and nearby species, certain species are also just objectively work in texture, size, etc.

Ostrich fern, Lady fern are really great for flavour and their size (especially when harvested right at the start of the season), bracken is ok but apparently has some trace toxins so should be consumed in moderation, sword fern is just too rough and large to really enjoy the same way and I've never tried or heard anything about deer fern which I just wouldn't risk unless you find a good source about their edibility. Worst case they make you nauseous for a couple hours though as they're not poisonous or really toxic, still always be wary about uneducated experimentation.

I always had them high temp fried in butter and sprinkled with salt as a kid and they were absolutely delicious, I've mixed them in with risotto just on my own but aren't a massive fan of risotto in itself so it probably took away from it personally.

 

[paulee]

Fiddlehead ferns are usually in season from late April to early June, so keep an eye out at farmers' markets or specialty grocery stores during that time.