Among the usual spring crops are one or two out-of-the-ordinary vegetables that can bring a fresh zing to dishes. Two of them have been recommended by local expert Todd Kostka. Jenn Ladd dug into his expertise for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The fiddlehead fern is a native North American plant that looks something like the scroll at the end of a violin. Hence, the reference to a fiddle. According to Kostka of To-Jo Mushrooms in Avondale, they come in two varieties: the ostrich and the Western lady ferns. The former is a deeper green and grown in Pennsylvania.

They are sweet and snappy, like the combination of asparagus and a green bean. They’re also rich in antioxidants.

Morels are also currently in season, but they are so elusive in the region that they can be compared to truffles. Kostka said they start appearing in early April in clusters often near ash, elm, and apple trees. Usually, they are gathered by hobbyist foragers.

“A good harvest is one to two pounds,” said Kostka.

Ramps, a garlicky, bright green member of the onion family, also started showing up on local markets last week.

“Spring is the season where things begin to pop,” said Kostka, “but it’s ramps and fiddleheads. There’s really not much else.” At least until May.

Read more about seasonal produce in The Philadelphia Inquirer.