Chinese New Year: what’s your horoscope?

The rat

(1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Rats are smart, strong-willed and ambitious individuals. They are keen explorers and are known for being very witty.

2021: the rat and the ox are good friends, so although 2021 is the year of the ox, those born in the year of the rat should expect luck to flow in their direction.

What to try: Family Secret Szechuan Kung Pao Cooking Sauce, £2.50

This spicy Kung Pao cooking sauce is perfect for anyone born in the year of the rat. A delight for sweet, spicy and sour lovers, this sauce has a unique flavour of the Szechuan pepper and onion, and calls to the rat’s adventurous and inquisitive nature.

The ox

(1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

Oxen are diligent, strong and determined. Oxen carve their own path according to their own ideas and capabilities, and are not influenced by others or their environment.

2021: when encountering their birth year, oxen may face some challenges but will ultimately adapt and overcome any setbacks.

WHAT TO TRY: Amoy Chow Mein Stir Fry Sauce, £1

Naturally catering for oxen’s habitual nature and desire for routine comforts, this sweet sauce with spring onions and sesame oil is a firm family favourite. Serve with chicken, beef, prawn or vegetables, add to stir fry noodles for an easy traditional method, or try with stir fried rice; the possibilities with a simple chow mein sauce are endless.

The tiger

(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Tigers are known for their stubborn and bold personalities. Competitive, and reliable, tigers can deliver some harsh judgement but will ultimately never let you down.

2021: this year is set to be relatively stable for tigers if you can relax and take some well-deserved time out.

WHAT TO TRY: Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil, £2.10

A key ingredient to many Asian dishes, sesame oil is a strong and a reliable source of flavour – just like our trustworthy tigers. But don’t get too overconfident tigers, because sesame oil can be overpowering if used too freely. So, find your balance.

The rabbit

(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Rabbits tend to be gentle, elegant and alert individuals. They remain persistent in their endeavours and typically achieve enviable success.

2021: if rabbits maintain the enthusiasm they had in the past, they should have no problems making big gains this year.

WHAT TO TRY: Yutaka Roasted Black Sesame Seeds, £2

An effortless way to improve the aesthetic of any dish, these black sesame seeds are perfect for rabbits to elegantly present a range of dishes. Suitable for salads, noodles and stir fries – the seeds add elegance and professionalism. Just like what we expect from rabbits.

The dragon

(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

Dragons are the only imaginary animal and the most powerful and vital beast in the Chinese zodiac. They are confident leaders with endless ambition, willing to take risks and take on any challenges.

2021: a mixed year for dragons. They need to be careful to avoid any conflicts, but if they let their imagination run wild, 2021 is sure to bring them happiness and joy.

WHAT TO TRY: The Tofoo Co Naked Organic Extra Firm Tofu, £2

Despite this tofu’s Japanese origin, the unmarianted, unsmoked, and (as the title suggests) ’naked’ ingredient is the perfect blank slate for dragons to get imaginative in the kitchen and show off their skills. Whether that’s using it for stupendous stir fries or flamboyant fajitas, we know dragons will utilise tofu to its full potential.

The snake

(1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Snakes represent a symbol of wisdom, are intelligent and the most intuitive of all the zodiac animals. They are determined to accomplish their goals and tend to dislike failure.

2021: snakes will have people around them to help them through any setbacks they may bring into the new year. Rest assured that snakes will feel loved and accomplished through all of 2021.

WHAT TO TRY: Zest & Zing Chinese Five Spice, £5.94

This no-fail Chinese five spice minimises the risk of a poor dish cooked up by any snake. Perhaps considered ‘too safe’ by other animals, this ingredient is versatile and adds an aromatic flavour and impressive flair. It also pairs deliciously with slow-cooked meats or vegetables, barbecued pork, Asian soups, noodles, and stir fries.

The horse

(1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Extremely animated, active and energetic, horses are crowd-pleasers and love to be the centre of attention.

2021: although this year could be worrying for horses, their generosity to friends will be firmly reciprocated to lift up their spirits and carry them through.

WHAT TO TRY: Gressingham Whole Aromatic Crispy Duck & Pancakes, £15.99

This crispy duck has been seasoned with an authentic recipe of herbs and spices that is quite something. Taking centre stage at the dinner table, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for all the horses out there. Plenty enough to go round, and ready in 40 minutes, this dish also gives horses enough time to entertain their guests.

The goat

(1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Goats are believed to be gentle, stable and kindhearted people. Although soft on the surface, goats are tough on the inside and prefer to be in groups and not at the centre of attention.

2021: watch out goats, this year may not be in your favour. But even so, we believe your tough interior will make the best of any situation.

WHAT TO TRY: Blue Dragon Prawn Crackers, £1.11

These prawn crackers are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. You best believe these are more than an accessory to the centrepiece; these crispy crackers will have you coming back for more throughout the evening. Goats – these are perfect for you.

The monkey

(1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

People born in the year of the monkey have magnetic personalities. Witty and intelligent, they’re sometimes mischievous and are masters of practical jokes.

2021: luck will begin to appear for monkeys later in the year. If they persist and maintain their hope, monkeys will be able to take hold of all their opportunities in summer 2021.

WHAT TO TRY: Uncle Ben’s Sweet & Sour Original Sauce, £1

This sauce is perfect for any monkeys hosting a dinner party. The flavours combine sweet and savoury notes of bamboo shoots, carrots, peppers and pineapple, and the sauce is free from artificial colours and preservatives.

The rooster

(1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

Roosters are observant and hardworking individuals. They’re known for being resourceful, courageous and talented.They seek attention to exhibit their charm on any occasion.

2021: roosters are predicted to be extremely lucky this year. So, make the most of it and everything it offers.

WHAT TO TRY: Lee Kum Kee Double Deluxe Soy Sauce, £1.27

Known for being resourceful and talented, all roosters need is a simple soy sauce to bring out the best in their cooking. An absolute staple in the kitchen, roosters will go the extra mile with the Double Deluxe soy sauce; an award-winning product that’ll deliver a scrumptious taste and rich aroma of soy to elevate any dish.

The dog

(1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

Dogs are loyal and honest individuals that are some of the most sincere people you’ll ever meet.

2021: while you may garner some criticism this year, dogs need to stay optimistic and see the possibilities for improvement with any feedback they receive.

WHAT TO TRY: Yutaka Organic Edamame Soybean Noodles, £3

Noodles are a stable and trustworthy food for many families. These Yutaka noodles aren’t your typical egg variety though, but are made with organic edamame soybeans. Delicious (and vegan), they’re sure to get everyone’s tails wagging at the dog’s dinner table.

The pig

(1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Pigs are compassionate and generous people, whilst they rarely seek help from others they always offer a helping hand.

2021: pigs are predicted to have good opportunities this year, and just need to go with the flow to avoid getting overwhelmed with choice.

WHAT TO TRY: Saitaku Shirataki Rice, £1.49

While Shiritaki rice is pretty new to everyone outside of Asia, it has been involved in Asian cooking for almost 2000 years. Otherwise known as ‘miracle rice’, the pigs of the world will be more than happy to share this less common rice with their friends.