What’s In Season In April

As a passionate advocate for seasonal cooking, I am thrilled to share with you the delightful array of fresh produce that April brings to our tables. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the vibrant flavors and versatile ingredients that make April a truly delicious month for cooking.

What's In Season In April?

Peas: Snap into Spring

Let’s start with peas, those delightful green gems that signal the arrival of spring. Treat yourself to a handful of fresh snap peas—whether seared quickly and tossed with olive oil and mint for a simple side dish or added to salads for a burst of sweetness and crunch, peas are a delightful addition to any meal.

Carrots: Crunchy and Colorful

In April, we welcome the vibrant hues and crisp texture of carrots to our plates. These root vegetables are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, which is excellent for eye health. From the classic orange varieties to heirloom colors like purple and yellow, carrots offer a rainbow of options to brighten up your dishes. Roast them with a drizzle of honey for caramelized sweetness, spiralize them into noodles for a low-carb alternative, or simply enjoy them raw for a satisfying crunch in salads and dips.

Asparagus: Peak Season Perfection

April heralds the arrival of one of spring’s most anticipated vegetables: asparagus. With its tender spears and delicate flavor, asparagus is a true seasonal delicacy. Whether steamed until tender-crisp and served with a squeeze of lemon, roasted until caramelized and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, or wrapped in prosciutto and grilled to perfection, asparagus adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Don’t forget to snap off the woody ends before cooking to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor.

Mushrooms: Earthy and Nutritious

As April blooms, so too do the earthy flavors of mushrooms. These versatile fungi come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, from meaty Portobello’s to delicate chanterelles. Rich in umami and packed with nutrients like vitamin D, mushrooms are a must-have ingredient for springtime cooking. Sauté them with garlic and herbs for a flavorful topping for toast or pizza, add them to soups and stews for depth of flavor, or grill them and serve alongside grilled meats or vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Broad Beans: Springtime Delicacy

Last but not least, we have broad beans, a springtime delicacy that’s worth seeking out at farmers’ markets and specialty grocers. These tender green beans have a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and citrus. Enjoy them simply steamed and dressed with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt, or incorporate them into salads, pastas, and risottos for a burst of springtime freshness. Just be sure to remove the tough outer skins before cooking to reveal the tender, flavorful beans inside.

Rhubarb: Nature's Jolly Ranchers

Ah, rhubarb, whether you enjoy it raw with a sprinkle of sugar or cooked into cobblers, crumbles and pies, rhubarb is a true springtime treat that adds a delightful tang to both sweet and savory dishes.

Artichokes: A Culinary Adventure

Fresh artichokes are a seasonal delight in April, with their tender hearts and meaty leaves just waiting to be enjoyed. Whether steamed and served with a flavorful dipping sauce or stuffed and baked until golden and bubbly, artichokes are a delicious addition to any springtime meal.

Fava Beans: Gardeners' Delight

Gardeners love fava beans for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them a great cover crop for summer gardens. While they require a bit of extra effort to shell twice, once out of their pod and again after cooking, the creamy texture and nutty flavor of fava beans are well worth it.

Radishes: A Springtime Favorite

If you love radishes, April is the time to buy them. Whether thinly sliced and served with tacos, roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, or enjoyed the French way—sliced and served on baguette slices with butter—radishes are a versatile and flavorful addition to any springtime meal.

Leeks, Spring Garlic, Spring Onions: A Trio of Flavor

Leeks, spring garlic, and spring onions are all at their peak in April, with their mild, sweet flavor adding depth to a wide range of dishes. Whether sautéed until tender and golden or added raw to salads for a pop of freshness, these alliums are a must-have in any springtime kitchen.

Fennel: Fresh and Fragrant

We also have fennel—a versatile vegetable with a distinctive anise flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood, chicken, and more. Whether sliced raw and tossed with a mint vinaigrette for a refreshing slaw or baked until caramelized and tender, fennel adds a delightful depth of flavor to any dish.

Cauliflower: Versatile and Nutritious

Cauliflower is another star of the spring season, offering both versatility and nutritional benefits. This cruciferous vegetable can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, from roasted cauliflower steaks and cauliflower rice to creamy cauliflower soup and buffalo cauliflower bites. With its mild flavor and firm texture, cauliflower is the perfect canvas for bold seasonings and sauces, making it a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Lettuce: Crisp and Refreshing

As the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing bite of fresh lettuce. From crunchy romaine and tender butterhead to peppery arugula and vibrant red leaf, there are countless varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Use lettuce as a base for salads, sandwiches, and wraps, or wilt it into soups and stir-fries for a nutritious boost. With its high water content and low calories, lettuce is a guilt-free way to add volume and crunch to your meals.

Spring Lamb: Tender and Flavorful

Spring lamb is a culinary delicacy that signals the arrival of warmer weather and outdoor gatherings. With its tender texture and mild flavor, spring lamb pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. Whether roasted until golden and crispy, grilled to perfection, or braised until fall-apart tender, spring lamb is a versatile protein that’s sure to impress. Serve it with mint sauce for a classic pairing, or get creative with marinades and glazes for a unique twist on this springtime favorite.

Haddock: Delicate and Flavorful

Haddock is a beloved fish known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. In April, this seafood favorite is at its peak, offering a delicious option for springtime meals. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, haddock pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings and accompaniments. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a simple yet satisfying dish, or get creative with marinades and sauces to add a burst of flavor. With its mild taste and flaky texture, haddock is sure to please seafood lovers of all ages.

Lemon Sole: Subtle and Elegant

Lemon sole is another prized fish that shines in April with its subtle flavor and elegant presentation. This delicate white fish is prized for its tender texture and mild, slightly sweet taste. Whether sautéed in butter and garlic, baked with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs and herbs, or grilled with a squeeze of lemon, lemon sole is a versatile option for springtime cooking. Its delicate flavor pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, citrus, and light sauces, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Crab: Sweet and Succulent

Last but certainly not least, we have crab—an indulgent seafood treat that’s perfect for springtime feasting. Whether enjoyed in the form of succulent crab legs, sweet lump crab meat, or creamy crab cakes, crab is a true delicacy that’s worth savoring. In April, crab is at its peak, offering a sweet and succulent flavor that pairs beautifully with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. Whether served cold with a zesty cocktail sauce, tossed with pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce, or stuffed into avocado halves for a light and refreshing appetizer, crab is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

The Bounty of April

Incorporating these seasonal ingredients into your cooking not only ensures that you’re enjoying the freshest and most flavorful produce available but also supports local farmers and promotes sustainable eating habits. So why not embrace the bounty of April and get creative in the kitchen with these delicious and nutritious ingredients? Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!

For more food inspiration check out our food holidays list for April, or join us on social media where we share more than recipes.