What internal feature is revealed when an Ostrich fern fiddlehead stem is sliced lengthwise?
Answer
A distinctive, deep, U-shaped groove
Distinguishing the safe Ostrich fern fiddlehead relies on specific tactile and visual cues. One of the most important internal characteristics is observed after slicing the stem lengthwise. The interior of the edible variety reveals a definitive feature described as a distinctive, deep, U-shaped groove. This contrasts with other potential identification features like the presence of a papery, brown, scale-like covering on the exterior, which must be removed, or the fact that the stem itself should be smooth, not fuzzy.

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