Capers are a distinctive ingredient often found in Mediterranean recipes, adding a burst of flavor to dishes like chicken piccata or pasta puttanesca. You might have spotted them in small jars in the grocery store’s pickle aisle, those tiny green buds that pack a punch. But what exactly are capers, where do they come from, and how can they be used? This guide explores everything you need to know about capers, including their origins, flavor, uses, and some recipe ideas to inspire your cooking.

What Are Capers?

Capers are the unripe flower buds of the Capparis spinosa, a prickly shrub that grows wild in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. These small, pea-sized buds are harvested before they bloom, then dried and preserved through curing in salt or pickling in brine. This preservation process gives capers their signature tangy, briny flavor, making them a versatile addition to many dishes.

What Do Capers Taste Like?

Capers have a unique flavor profile that combines a lemony tang with the brininess of green olives, accented by a subtle floral tartness. Their salty, savory taste comes from the brine or salt used in preservation, which enhances their bold character. The flavor can vary slightly depending on the size of the capers and the preservation method, but they generally offer a bright, zesty note that complements a wide range of ingredients.

Where Do Capers Come From?

The Capparis spinosa plant thrives in the warm, arid climates of Mediterranean countries like Italy, Spain, and France, as well as parts of North Africa and the Middle East. The buds are hand-picked, a labor-intensive process that contributes to their cost. After harvesting, they are dried and either packed in salt or submerged in a vinegar-based brine, which preserves them and develops their distinctive flavor. Some of the best capers come from regions like Sicily and the French Riviera, where they are prized for their quality.

Uses of Capers in Cooking

Capers are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and can enhance a variety of dishes with their bold, tangy flavor. Here are some ways they may be used:

• Seafood Dishes: Capers are often paired with fish, such as in baked salmon or cod, where their brightness balances the richness of the seafood.

• Pasta Sauces: They add depth to sauces like puttanesca, which combines capers with olives, tomatoes, and anchovies for a savory, robust flavor.

• Meat Dishes: In dishes like chicken piccata, capers are added to a lemony butter sauce to create a vibrant, tangy finish.

• Appetizers: Capers are a classic addition to bagels with cream cheese and lox, providing a salty counterpoint to the creamy and smoky flavors.

• Sauces and Spreads: Finely chopped capers can be mixed into tapenades, salad dressings, or compound butters for a briny kick.

• Garnishes: Fried capers, which become crispy when cooked in oil, are used as a crunchy garnish for salads, fish, or roasted vegetables.

• Rich Dishes: Their tartness can cut through the heaviness of dishes like lamb, hearty stews, or cheese-based recipes.

To preserve their flavor and texture, capers are often added toward the end of cooking or used as a finishing touch. If their saltiness is too intense, rinsing them before use may help balance the flavor.

Caper Varieties and Sizes

Capers are categorized by size, which can affect their flavor and texture. The most common varieties include:

• Nonpareils: The smallest capers, about 7mm in diameter, often sourced from southern France. These are prized for their delicate texture and concentrated flavor, making them a premium choice.

• Surfines: Slightly larger, measuring 7–8mm.

• Capucines: Ranging from 8–9mm.

• Capotes: Measuring 9–11mm, these are more acidic and less delicate.

• Fines: Sized 11–13mm.

• Grusas: The largest, over 14mm, these are less common and have a stronger, more acidic taste.

Smaller capers, like nonpareils, tend to be more flavorful and tender, while larger ones are more tart and robust. Adjust the quantity in recipes based on the size to balance the flavor.

Capers vs. Caperberries

Caperberries are often confused with capers but are a distinct product. If a caper bud is left on the plant, it develops into a caperberry, a fruit about the size of a small olive with a long stem and tiny seeds inside. Caperberries are softer and less pungent than capers, with a milder flavor. They are also pickled and commonly used as a garnish for antipasto platters or cocktails like martinis or Bloody Marys. Because of their differences in texture and taste, caperberries should not be substituted for capers in recipes.

Are Capers Nutritious?

Capers are low in calories and typically consumed in small amounts, so they don’t contribute significantly to nutritional intake. However, they contain small quantities of vitamins A, E, and K, as well as minerals like copper, iron, and magnesium. Due to their high salt content from the brining process, they should be used sparingly if you’re monitoring sodium intake. Rinsing capers before use can help reduce their saltiness.

Substitutes for Capers

Capers have a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate, but if you don’t have them on hand, finely chopped green olives can serve as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio. Green olives offer a similar briny, tangy profile, though they lack the floral notes of capers. Kalamata olives can also work but are less tangy, so adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips for Using Capers

• Add Late in Cooking: To preserve their flavor and texture, add capers near the end of cooking or as a garnish.

• Rinse if Needed: If the saltiness is overpowering, rinse capers under cold water before using.

• Use the Brine: The flavorful brine can enhance sauces, dressings, or marinades, so consider incorporating it into recipes.

• Store Properly: Keep opened jars of capers in the refrigerator, submerged in their brine, for up to a year. Salt-packed capers can last longer if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Recipe Ideas with Capers

Capers can elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Chicken Piccata

A classic dish where capers shine. Combine them with lemon juice, zest, and butter to create a glossy, tangy sauce that coats pan-seared chicken breasts. The capers add a bright, briny finish that transforms a simple dish into something special.

Pork Piccata

Swap chicken for pork chops in a quick piccata recipe. The capers complement a white wine and butter sauce, adding texture and flavor to the tender pork, perfect for a 30-minute meal.

Pan-Fried Fish with Crispy Capers

Fry capers until crispy and sprinkle them over pan-fried fish like cod or catfish. Serve with a lemon wedge and a simple salad for a light, flavorful dinner.

Linguine with Tuna Puttanesca

Create a bold pasta sauce with capers, olives, garlic, red pepper flakes, and canned tuna. Simmer with crushed tomatoes for a savory, pantry-friendly dish that’s ready in minutes.

Cauliflower Steaks with Caper Butter

Mash capers with butter, parsley, and lemon zest to make a compound butter. Dollop it onto roasted cauliflower steaks for a rich, tangy sauce that melts into the dish.

Grilled Flatiron Steak with Caper Sauce

Pair grilled flatiron steaks with a mustardy caper and herb sauce. The capers’ tartness balances the robust flavor of the steak, making it ideal for a weeknight or dinner party.

Conclusion

Capers are a small but mighty ingredient that can add a burst of tangy, briny flavor to a wide range of dishes. From their origins in the Mediterranean to their role in classic recipes like chicken piccata and puttanesca, capers offer versatility and depth. Whether you’re garnishing a seafood dish, stirring them into a sauce, or frying them for a crispy topping, capers can elevate your cooking with minimal effort. By understanding their varieties, uses, and storage tips, you can confidently incorporate this unique ingredient into your kitchen repertoire. Explore these recipe ideas or experiment with capers in your favorite dishes to discover their full potential.If you’re looking for premium-quality, organic capers, consider exploring capers from Ishka Farms, which are cultivated using sustainable practices and harvested with care to preserve their natural character. Their organic capers reflect the vibrant flavors of the region where they’re grown, offering a unique addition to both traditional and contemporary recipes.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While moringa has been studied for its potential health benefits, individual results may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.