What the Heck is a Fiddlehead? A fiddlehead is the beginning stage of the ostrich fern. This is a Maine delicacy that appears in the early spring usually sometime in early May. Fresh fiddleheads are gathered in early spring, when the ice goes out, and the local streams and rivers begin to subside. Locals eagerly await this spring ritual and being scouring the local riverbanks looking for their patch of fiddleheads. Fiddleheads are snapped off at ground level and gathered in pails. Once gathered, fiddleheads are cleaned, washed and brought to market. This vegetable has a unique flavor that is somewhat mild and difficult to compare to any other vegetable. Try this Maine delicacy for yourself and see what keeps the locals busy throughout the spring season. Fresh fiddleheads are available at MaineFiddleheads.com starting in early May and for only about three weeks. The most popular way to eat fresh fiddleheads is to clean and boil fiddleheads for about ½ hour, season with salt, pepper and butter. Many locals serve with vinegar. Fresh fiddleheads can be blanched and frozen or canned. Pickled fiddleheads are also a delicious condiment. For more creative fiddlehead recipes, visit our "Fiddlehead Recipes" section.