Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns

Fiddlehead ferns (neuro) are the young shoots of edible ferns. They resemble the spiral end of a fiddle, for which they are named, and taste similar to asparagus and okra. They are extremely perishable and need to be cooked shortly after picking. The shoots only remain coiled for a few days before they uncurl into lacy leaves that cannot be cooked as they become stringy and bitter. Fiddlehead ferns are available neatly bundled in specialty food stores or occasionally at well-stocked