Alaskan Greens

Born and raised in Alaska, it would be a surprise to everyone that this year is the first time I have had an interest in harvesting! In the middle of May my mother and I drove out to Portage, Alaska and we harvested some fiddle head ferns and watermelon berry stocks. Listed are a few tips with these items. Disclaimer: ** I am a newbie at this, so I am taking my mother’s word on these tips, but of course there may be other helpful tips out there!

Cleaning tips: For fiddle heads, rinse them in water and use a spoon or a small knife to brush off the brown tips that stick out. For watermelon berry stalks, just rinse with water.

Cooking: Both items can be used in cold salads. One option is to mix with other greens and add some soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor as desired. Many other Alaskans have used fiddle heads on pizza and in pastas. Both items are popularly sautéed with butter and garlic and eaten as a salad or side dish.

Enjoy the pictures below! Stay tuned for more Alaskan foods.

​Pictured: Watermelon Berry Stocks

Pictured: Fiddle Head Ferns