One of the best things about spring is the arrival of fiddleheads at your local grocery store – and they likely came from Norcliff Farms in Wainfleet Township, one of the newest members ofOntariofresh.ca.
Fiddleheads are known to be a foragers delight, which is what makes Norcliff so unique. With over 300,000 ostrich fern fiddlehead plants cultivated every year, they are the largest producers and packers in all of North America, supplying major grocery chains including Loblaws, Sobey’s and Whole Foods. President and Founder Nick Secord is quick to point out, however, that these tasty morsels are wild harvested, handpicked with not a drop of pesticides.
You can take a peek at the operation in this Facebook tour. Fiddleheads contain twice as many antioxidants as a blueberry, are packed full of iron and potassium and are a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Their delicate spring-like flavour is often described as a cross between asparagus and spinach. Topped with garlic, lemon and butter, it’s a fast and easy way to add some local seasonal food to your table.
- Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation