April Horoscopes: Which Trendy Spring Veg Are You?
The second spring hits, we’re up early to get to the farmers’ market before the crowds descend on our favorite trendy vegetables. It turns out we’re produce hypebeasts. “Rhubarb? Ramps? Lovage?” we ask the farmers with just a whiff of desperation. So this April, let’s ramp (ahem) it up by cooking these recipes starring trendy spring vegetables; we’ve got a different young leafy thing for every sign of the Zodiac.
1/12Aries: English Peas
After a long and lonely winter, April invites you to flex your schmoozing skills and make new friends. Set up your chaise lounge by your front stoop and get chummy with the passers-by. Who knows, you might meet a new book club member, or the neighborhood psychic medium! You’ll be feeling plugged-in this month, Aries, which is why your trendy veggie is oh-so-coveted English peas. These bright green, sweet lil’ nugs are like celebrities on a plate. They shine! They’re expensive! And they’re never sad or mushy. Schmooze it up by serving your nearest and dearest this One-Skillet Steak and Spring Veg—a one-dish wonder featuring juicy steak, asparagus, and your favorite prominent peas, all dressed to the nines in a honey mustard sauce.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich2/12Taurus: Watercress
You’ll be feeling yourself this April, confident Taurus. The spring sunshine calls for flowy, nearly-see-through outfits and a new attitude. Assert yourself this month and pitch your start-up idea to potential investors already. And while you don’t often waste your time with salads, indulgent Taurus, when you do, it better be overflowing with the most au courant greens, like watercress. Make sure to buy it at the farmers’ market where it’s so fresh it still has dirt on the roots (then give it a serious rinse.) Watercress has an assertive, peppery attitude (sound familiar?) but it pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries in this colorful Strawberry and Watercress Salad. All other salads can stand down.
Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Andy Baraghani, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski3/12Gemini: Romano Beans
You’re feeling ambitious this month, Gemini, and by ambitious, we mean: like a freakin’ boss. And with the right people in your brigade, what can’t you do? That’s why you need backup from someone named Romano. Romano Beans, that is. They’re loooonger than green beans, a smidge denser, but just as sweet and wonderful. And we’ll let you in on some gossip: Chefs love these beans. See why by making these Romano Beans with Mustard Vinaigrette and Walnuts. This bean salad has a simple and sharp dressing you can whip up in a flash. Can a bean salad have ambitions too? Because this one wants to be on your table all spring and summer long.
Gentl & Hyers4/12Cancer: Baby Artichokes
Things will finally feel like they’re coming together for you this month, you know, concerning that minor crisis you’ve been having about your career direction. Cheers to new beginnings, Cancer. What else is having a new beginning this spring? Baby Artichokes. These adorable mini ‘chokes require a bit of a haircut, but all that knife work will be worth it when you take a bite of this Pasta with Baby Artichokes, Mascarpone and Hazelnuts. This recipe pairs buttery artichoke greens with creamy mascarpone and crunchy hazelnuts to give you, dear Cancer, the bougiest, brag-worthy dinner you’ve ever tasted.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich5/12Leo: Niche Radishes
Glamorous Leo, well, you’ve been a leisurely lion lately. You’ve been procrastinating something (your taxes? Going to the dentist?), but you should aim to tackle that unsavory task(s) head on this month. When you do, you’ll impress yourself and free your headspace for something better, something bigger, something that’ll get you noticed. Because we know you like the spotlight, we’ve assigned you spring’s most eye-catching Watermelon, Breakfast, or Otherwise Niche Radishes. These technicolor radishes in all shapes and sizes are a guaranteed conversation starter at parties. Serve them on a crudités platter and wait for the compliments to stream in. Or better yet, serve up a refreshing Radish Rainbow Salad with a bright lemon-basil dressing. Just don’t put it off, or those radishes will be gone until next spring.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich6/12Virgo: Sugar Snap Peas
This month, you’ll be reminded of how sweet your life is by all of the amazing people around you. Don’t overthink it like you usually do. Expect romantic gestures, and don’t be surprised if you get a stellar compliment from someone you’ve always looked up to. You’ll be feeling appreciated this month—as you always should be—thoughtful Virgo. Commemorate the sweetness in your life with sweet Sugar Snap Peas, eaten straight out of the garden with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt. Or, even better, in this Sugar Snap Pea Salad with creamy buttermilk dressing.
Photo by Alex Lau7/12Libra: Rhubarb
This month, you’ll be trying to bring your life back into balance. Things got crazy there for a minute, didn’t they? You’ll wake up and hit the gym some mornings, while others are for snoozing. We know you prefer to snooze, but April’s your chance to work on new habits. Balance, Libra, and your reward will be sweet Rhubarb! Its sour-tart-sweetness is balanced in this cloud-like Rhubarb Custard Cake. Don’t be intimidated by that arty geometric design, this cake is surprisingly simple to make—and that’s all you ever want in life, Libra.
Photo by Gentl & Hyers8/12Scorpio: Green Garlic
You approach life with a certain intensity, Scorpio, but this month, lighten up a bit! Maybe a new romance will ignite your playful side, or you’ll sign up for the company karaoke contest. Let loose this month, get silly, and don’t worry about who’s watching. It’s YOLO season, and that applies to veggies, too. Don’t miss out on Green Garlic. Like you, secretive Scorpio, green garlic’s potency is covert. It looks like a scallion, but it’s straight fire. You’ll want it on everything savory this spring, but especially these Ricotta Dumplings with Asparagus and Green Garlic.
9/12Sagittarius: Morels
You’ll be feeling artistically inspired this month, Sag. Spontaneity leads you to strum that dusty guitar you haven’t touched in years. What is this music? IS it music? Follow where it leads. The world suddenly appears more colorful to you, and not just at the farmers’ market. You’re always down for adventure, fiery Sagittarius, which is why you’re the coveted Morel Mushroom this month. Morels are stars in the mycology world, and you’ll understand why when you make this Morel Mushroom Congee. Creamy, nutty, pure umami. It’ll instantly satisfy your taste for rare delicacies.
Gentl & Hyers10/12Capricorn: Ramps
You’re usually cautious and reserved, Capricorn, but this month, you need to push your own limits. Go ahead, take some calculated risks. How? Join Bumble for networking purposes only, or consider painting your front door a fetching shade of lime green. Whatever you do, it’ll be on-brand, but still edgy. Which is why you should go for the most trendy of all spring veggies: Ramps! These flat-leaved garlicky greens are typically foraged, and are ultra-high-in-demand. You get a rush every time you can get your hands on something this exclusive, so pick out a sizable bunch from the farmers’ market and whip up this spicy Ramp Pesto.
Yossy Arefi11/12Aquarius: Pea Shoots
You have a reputation for being emotionally detached, Aquarius, which you know already. But this month you’ll be downright... affectionate? Is that heartfelt appreciation for someone who did you a favor? PDA??? We love hearing you gush once in awhile, even if it’s a short-lived phase. A little heart goes a long way with you. Also worthy of PDA: Pea Shoots! Not just for sprouted “yoga salads,” but this Breakfast Porridge with Soft Egg and Pea Shoots. The pea shoots cook for just a few minutes, like you—they keep their cool (and crisp). Who eats breakfast this artsy? You do, Aquarius.
Peden & Munk12/12Pisces: Spring Onion
Everything seems like it’s running smoothly for you this month, Pisces. You’re happy about all this, which gives you an added dose of charm this month. Use it as leverage to get what you want in life. Ask for favors, hit people up for rides, and ask your hot neighbor to help you with those flower beds. You never know. Luck is on your side this month, so buy a scratch-off for good measure. If you’re really lucky, you’ll pick up some Spring Onions at the market before they sell out. Like you, these adorable young onions are slightly sweet, but they’ve got a little edge. Then make this Grilled Asparagus and Spring Onions with Lemon Dressing. This dish has ALL the lemony lemon-ness that makes you pucker like the fish you are.
Catherine Urban is an astrologer and writer who is looking forward to that rhubarb cake. Find out more about your April astrology forecast by following @AstroCatherine on IG and Twitter.
