The possibility of carcinogenicity after blanching fern is very small, mainly from its contained components of the original fern glycosides, excessive consumption may still exist carcinogenicity.
Each 100 grams of fern contains 42 calories, of which 1.6 grams of protein, 9.0 grams of carbohydrates, 1.8 grams of dietary fiber, 0.4 grams of fat, vitamin A183 micrograms, vitamin E0.78 micrograms milligrams, vitamin C23 milligrams, and potassium 292 milligrams.
Fern is relatively nutritious, that can provide the body with carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin A and other nutrients.
However, fern contains a chemical component called protopanaxoside, which is classified as a group 2B carcinogen, that is, potentially carcinogenic to animals, and it is still controversial whether it is carcinogenic to human beings.
Protopteroside is a water-soluble substance, which can be blanched in water before cooking fiddleheads. Protopteroside can be dissolved in water, thus reducing the content of protopteroside in fiddleheads, and hence the possibility of its carcinogenicity. However, excessive consumption of fiddleheads may still be carcinogenic and it is recommended that fiddleheads should be consumed in moderation.