Step 1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil using 1 tablespoon salt per quart of water. Trim the ends of each fern and rub off the brown chaff from the edges under running water. Rinse thoroughly and drain.
Step 2 Drop ferns into the boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Scoop out and plunge into ice water. Drain and reserve.
Step 3Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add ferns and cook for a few minutes just to heat through. Toss with herbs, salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.