A leafy outlook

Make it quick

Cos (or Romaine) Along with other sturdy lettuce varieties, it’s delicious in stir-fries or even soup. I like to sear it over the coals in a hot pan. Rocket Stir it through hot pasta, then stir through Parmesan, olive oil and pine nuts to make a delicious meal. (Wild rocket–the type with thinner, slightly frilly leaves–has a stronger flavour and is more peppery than the variety with round leaves. Feel free to use your favourite.)

Radicchio This is one of the leafy vegetables I love best, but it’s hard to find because not everyone likes its bitter flavour. It’s worth planting some in your garden. The Italians dip the individual leaves in flour, followed by egg and crumbs, then fry them and serve them with Parmesan. Delicious. Iceberg Food writer Matt Preston recommends that you cut this trusty favourite into quarters or eighths,