Contemporary aspects of wild-growing plant raw material use as food with example of bracken fern

This article provides a review of the contributions of nationals and foreign authors on the use of wild bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) as a food. The distinctive features of raw materials during the harvesting period are described. It is noted that bracken fern has a wide distribution. The nutritional value of this fern specie is analyzed and compared with other types of food raw materials of vegetal origin. Fern harvesting and its traditional storage methods are reviewed. Freezing is a suggested storage method.