Dear Truffler

Do you know of any Malaysian food stores in London. I'm particularly looking for a coconut-and-egg breakfast spread called seri kaya?
Tony Bruce Nash, by e-mail

There is, as far as I know (and that's not always very far, see below), no Malaysian grocer in London. However, Manila Supermarket, 11-12 Hogarth Place, London SW5 (020-7373 8305) is a Filipino store and sells Malaysian and Indonesian products. It stocks sri kaya, as they told me it is called, a sweet spread of eggs, sugar and coconut, for £1.47 a jar.

I have a quantity of linseed in my store cupboard. I know that this can be sprinkled on breakfast cereal, or taken with a glass of milk. I suspect that taken either way it is probably rather unpleasant. Is there an agreeable use for linseed?
Tim Bowman, Wirral

Just because it's good for you doesn't mean it's nasty. Though it rather depends on liking chewy little seeds. The benefits of linseeds are becoming more widely recognised: they're full of linolenic acid, the essential fatty acid that's also in oily fish and green leafy vegetables. The seeds are especially recommended for pregnant women, because of the Omega-3 content, and it's thought they can alleviate the symptoms of the menopause, especially hot flushes. Either gender, however, can benefit from 1-2 teaspoons of linseeds a day because they are high in fibre, and good for the digestion. They have prebiotic qualities, which means they can encourage beneficial bacteria in our digestive systems. All in all, a good thing, then. Apparently golden linseed tastes best. Sprinkle on cereal, by all means, but if you mix linseeds in with a nutty muesli you'll hardly notice them. Or bake into bread. Linseed, like all nut oils, goes rancid quickly, and so does the oil in seeds. Check that yours aren't past their best.

I've had many messages to point out that quinces are not as scarce in Edinburgh as I made them sound last month. Thanks to all those who recommended Nadia's in Argyle Place, Marchmont (0131-228 1946). They should still have quinces in the shop.

E-mail truffler@independent.co.uk or write to Dear Truffler, 'The Independent', 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS. I'll try and truffle around for answers, but some of you are better informed than me (see above), so answers are as welcome as questions. Sorry I can't reply personally to everyone, but – with your help – will try to solve your culinary conundrums, queries, and problems here.