I can't comment with a scientific point of view, but as far as traditional knowledge goes, ferns are toxic and must be processed in order to be edible. I wouldn't recommend eating any part of a Bird's Nest fern or including it in any food recipe.

everettsky

I should have explained that they would have been used as wrappings..not actually eaten. Taro leaves used as wrappings is common,but I think the leafs themselves are not edible. I could be wrong. Considering the commonness of Birds nest ferns..I thought Aussies or Pacific Islanders might have known of them used in ethnic cooking.

In Taiwanese aboriginal communities,the leaves are picked before they uncurl fully and stir fried. Although I am aboriginal Taiwanese, I have never tried picking the leaves myself. Considering that many ferns become more toxic as they mature, I wouldn't use mature bird's nest fern leaves.

If you happen to have any Hedychium or Alpinia, their leaves make good wrappers and add a nice flavor to the food. My grandmother used to make these tamale like things with sticky rice and millet wrapped in Alpinia leaves.