Other than Summer, Gothamist thinks Spring yields the finest produce of the four seasons. One of the stars of the season is the underappreciated fiddlehead fern.

Usually available from April-May, the fiddlehead is currently making an early appearance at Fairway ($8.99 1/2 lb). Fiddleheads have an asparagus, okra-like taste and are often a crowd pleaser due to the unfortunate fact that many are yet to taste them at their best. They are best blanched in boiling, salted water for about 4 minutes and shocked briefly in ice cold water, preserving the bright green color and al dente texture. Gothamist likes to finish them in a pan of hot olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and sea salt.

Fiddleheads are also great for a vegetable ragout side dish to accompany fish.

Have you seen fiddleheads in a market near you, or is Fairway ahead of the game?