Ask Nigel  Readers wonder how to use horseradish leaves and why
we don't bake pears  Q Dear Nigel, I've been trying to think of
something tasty to do with the tough outer leaves of our
horseradish plants. No success yet – in fact it's been a
challenge! Lost cause? Many thanks Virginia  A Dear Virginia:
yes, horseradish leaves are edible. What is more, they can be
particularly abundant if you have good patch going. They taste a
little more like cabbage than horseradish, and the larger ones
can be tough and chewy. The leaves are sometimes used in dill
pickles, layered between the little cucumbers, but can also be
finely shredded and eaten with bread and butter. I have never
heard of anyone actually cooking them, but it might be worth a
try. Choose the smallest, tenderest leaves, otherwise they can
be on the tough side. That said, they do make excellent compost.
Q Dear Nigel, why don't we bake pears in the same way that we do
apples? Surely they are just as good? Michael  A Dear Michael,
you can bake pears just