What Are Capers? (Ultimate Guide for Chefs and Foodies)
Everything you need to know
If you like to cook (or eat), you’ve probably come across odd little green buds called Capers.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about capers — including how to prepare, cook, eat, and store them.
What Are Capers?
Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa). Before they bloom into flowers, these buds are harvested. Once harvested, they undergo a curing process to intensify their flavor.
They are small, green flower buds that are often pickled or salted for culinary use. Originating from the Mediterranean region, these tiny edibles have been a part of various cuisines for centuries.
Capers range in size and are generally characterized by their tangy, pungent taste which can add a burst of flavor to various dishes.
Are Capers A Vegetable?
Capers are the flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa).
They are picked before they can bloom and are then dried and pickled in salt or vinegar-based brine to preserve them and enhance their flavor.
Technically, capers are not a “vegetable” in the traditional sense of the word, as we generally consider the primary edible parts of plants like roots, stems, or leaves as vegetables. Instead, capers are more akin to flower buds.
However, in culinary contexts, distinctions between fruits, vegetables, seeds, and buds can be more fluid. Capers are used similarly to many vegetables in cooking, adding flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.
To sum it up, while capers are botanically flower buds, they can be thought of and used as a vegetable in the culinary world. The distinction often hinges more on usage and context rather than strict botanical definitions.
Here is a good video about Capers as a superfood (but not a vegetable):
Different Types of Capers
There are actually several different types of capers:
- Nonpareil
- Surfines
- Capucines
- Grusas
Nonpareil Capers
This is the smallest type of caper, usually measuring less than 7mm.
They are the most coveted due to their delicate texture and superior flavor. Nonpareil capers are a staple in many Mediterranean dishes, offering a fine balance of salty and tangy nuances.
Surfines Capers
A bit larger than the nonpareil, surfines capers measure between 7mm to 8mm.
They still possess a robust flavor and can be found in many grocery stores. Used in various cuisines, surfines add a tangy kick to dishes, enhancing their overall taste.
Capucines Capers
These are medium-sized capers, usually about 8mm to 9mm in diameter.
With a slightly stronger taste than the previous varieties, they’re a favorite for those who crave a bold flavor. Capucines are versatile and can be used in salads, pasta dishes, and more.
Grusas Capers
Being the largest variety, grusas capers can measure over 9mm.
Their size means a meatier texture, but they still pack a piquant punch. They are less common in everyday cooking but can be used in recipes that call for a dominant caper presence.
Taste Profile of Capers
Capers present a delightful complexity on the palate.
At the forefront, there’s a pronounced tanginess, akin to lemons or vinegar, which can immediately awaken your taste buds. This is followed by a distinct saltiness, derived mainly from the pickling or salting process.
Beneath these primary flavors lies a certain earthiness, a subtle bitterness that adds depth to the overall taste.
Some also notice hints of olive, mustard, and even a slight peppery aftertaste. Depending on their size and the specific preparation method, the intensity of these flavors can vary, but they invariably offer a zesty accent that can invigorate a wide array of dishes.
What Do Capers Smell Like?
Capers have a distinctive aroma that’s a reflection of their unique flavor profile.
The smell is tangy and briny, akin to that of pickles or olives due to their preservation in salt or vinegar-based brine. This pickling process imparts a sharp, piquant scent to capers, which is why they are reminiscent of other pickled products.
Additionally, capers carry subtle undertones of a herbal and slightly earthy aroma, which is intrinsic to the caper bud itself.
When fresh, before the pickling process, capers might exude a green, slightly floral scent, but this is often overpowered by the brine once they are preserved. In dishes, their aroma mingles with other ingredients, adding depth and a Mediterranean flair.
If you ever come across capers with an off or sour odor that seems out of the ordinary, it’s a good indication that they may have spoiled and should not be consumed.
Culinary Uses of Capers
Capers, with their unique taste profile, are versatile ingredients.
Here are 20 detailed ways to incorporate them into your culinary creations:
- Salad Enhancer: Toss capers into salads for an unexpected briny kick. They pair especially well with fresh greens and Mediterranean ingredients like olives and feta cheese.
- Pasta Partner: Sprinkle capers over spaghetti aglio e olio or include them in puttanesca sauce for a salty twist.
- Pizza Topping: Dot your pizza with capers, anchovies, and red onions for a flavorful combination.
- Fish Complement: Capers are a classic garnish for smoked salmon bagels, adding zest to the fatty fish.
- Piccata Sauce: Lemon-caper sauce is essential in chicken or veal piccata, balancing out the richness of the meat.
- Tartare Additive: Incorporate capers into beef or tuna tartare to lend depth and saltiness.
- Sandwich Spread: Mix capers into mayonnaise or mustard for a more sophisticated sandwich spread.
- Egg Embellisher: Upgrade your deviled eggs or egg salad with a sprinkle of minced capers.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle a caper vinaigrette over roasted vegetables for a tangy twist.
- Grain Salad Mix-in: Stir capers into quinoa or couscous salads to elevate their flavor.
- Stuffed Chicken: Incorporate capers into a cheese and herb stuffing for roasted or grilled chicken breasts.
- Baked Fish Topper: Place capers atop fish fillets before baking to enhance the overall taste.
- Omelette Ingredient: Add capers, herbs, and cheese to your morning omelette for a Mediterranean flair.
- Hummus Mix-in: Blend capers into hummus for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crostini Topping: Spread ricotta cheese on toasted bread and top with capers, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
- Bruschetta Variation: Replace tomatoes with capers for a briny take on the classic bruschetta.
- Tapenade Element: Combine capers with olives, garlic, and olive oil for a delicious tapenade spread.
- Gravy Upgrade: Stir in some capers into your meat or mushroom gravy for an interesting flavor infusion.
- Rice Pilaf: Mix capers with sautéed onions and bell peppers in a savory rice pilaf.
- Stew Seasoning: Add capers to Mediterranean-style fish or chicken stews for a robust flavor punch.
Tips for Cooking with Capers
Capers, with their potent flavor, can elevate a dish when used correctly.
Here are some expert tips for cooking with capers:
- Rinsing: Due to their salty and briny nature, it’s often a good idea to rinse capers before using them, especially if you’re trying to cut down on salt.
- Drain Well: Ensure that capers are well-drained if they come from a brine solution. Excess moisture can dilute the flavors in your dish.
- Measure with Care: Given their dominant flavor, it’s wise to measure capers properly. Overdoing can overshadow the taste of other ingredients.
- Use in the Right Context: Capers can be overpowering in some dishes. Use them where their unique taste can shine without overwhelming the main ingredients.
- Heat Tames the Flavor: Cooking capers can reduce their intense tanginess, making them a bit milder. If you want a mellow flavor, consider sautéing them briefly before adding to your dish.
- Add at the Right Time: In dishes like salads or cold preparations, it’s best to add capers towards the end to maintain their pungent flavor.
- Consider Their Size: Larger capers are usually milder in taste than their smaller counterparts. Depending on your recipe and personal preference, select the size that fits best.
- Store Properly: If you have leftover capers, make sure to store them in their original brine or salt. This will help in preserving their flavor and preventing them from drying out.
- Try Caper Berries: If you enjoy the taste of capers, consider trying caper berries. They are larger, have a similar flavor, and can be eaten whole or sliced in dishes.
- Experiment Freely: Don’t restrict capers to traditional recipes. Their unique flavor can offer a delightful surprise in unconventional dishes.
Do Capers Go Bad?
Like all food products, capers can indeed go bad, especially if not stored correctly.
If capers are in a brine or salt solution, this acts as a preservative, enhancing their shelf life. When kept in their unopened jar or container, capers can last quite a while, often up to a couple of years.
However, once the container is opened, the countdown begins
Indications of spoiled capers include an off or sour odor, a change in texture, or visible mold. Always inspect capers for any signs of spoilage before adding them to your dishes.
Storage plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of capers.
If stored improperly, their quality will degrade faster, and they might become unsafe for consumption. Whether in brine or salt, always ensure that the capers are fully submerged to prevent spoilage. Keeping the container tightly sealed also minimizes the risk of contamination.
Do Capers Need to Be Refrigerated?
Once opened, it’s generally recommended to refrigerate capers to maintain their freshness and flavor.
The cold environment of the fridge reduces the chances of bacterial growth, thus extending the product’s life. If capers are in brine, ensure they remain submerged to prevent them from drying out or becoming moldy.
For salt-packed capers, ensure the container is sealed tightly.
While refrigeration is not mandatory for unopened jars of capers, doing so won’t harm the product and might even prolong its shelf life. If you prefer not to refrigerate capers, store them in a cool, dark place and make sure to use them within a month or two after opening to ensure the best taste and quality.
Should You Rinse Capers Before You Eat Them?
Capers are typically preserved in a brine or salt solution, which gives them their characteristic salty and tangy flavor.
While this flavor is a key part of many dishes, it can sometimes be too overpowering, especially if the capers are added to a dish that already contains other salty ingredients.
Rinsing capers before using them is a good idea if you want to reduce the intensity of their saltiness and brininess.
A quick rinse under cold water can help wash away the excess salt or brine, providing a more muted flavor to your dish. This is especially useful if you’re trying to control your sodium intake or if the dish you’re preparing has a delicate flavor that can be easily overshadowed by the strong taste of capers.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for that robust punch of flavor that capers are known for, you might opt not to rinse them.
It really boils down to personal preference and the specific culinary application. Always taste and adjust accordingly, ensuring that the capers complement the dish rather than dominate it.
Do Capers Need to Be Cooked?
Capers do not need to be cooked before consumption.
They’re edible right out of the jar. Many recipes utilize capers in their raw form, such as salads, garnishes, or spreads. Their sharp, tangy flavor often adds a burst of taste to dishes without any additional preparation.
That said, cooking capers can mellow out their strong, briny flavor and make them more subtle.
They can be sautéed, fried, or baked, often lending a delectable touch to dishes like chicken piccata or pasta sauces. Fried capers, in particular, become crispy and can be used as a unique garnish on dishes, adding both taste and texture.
Health Benefits: Are Capers Good For You?
Beyond their culinary appeal, capers come loaded with health benefits.
For starters, they are rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. In published research in the Nutrients journal, this antioxidant activity has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
Moreover, capers contain quercetin, a plant compound recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. It can potentially provide relief from allergies and protect against cellular damage.
Rich in essential vitamins, capers offer vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and bone health. They also provide smaller amounts of other essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, niacin, and riboflavin.
The fiber content in capers aids in promoting digestive health.
Fiber helps move food smoothly through the digestive tract, potentially preventing constipation and other digestive disorders.
Additionally, capers are low in calories, making them a weight-conscious choice for those looking to add flavor without the added calorie burden.
However, it’s essential to consume them in moderation due to their high sodium content, mainly if they are pickled or salted.
Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Capers?
For most people, consuming capers in moderation doesn’t cause any adverse effects.
They’re generally considered safe and are a common ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. However, capers are often preserved in salt or brine, which makes them high in sodium.
Consuming too many capers or frequently eating them can lead to excessive sodium intake, potentially raising blood pressure or causing water retention.
There’s also the rare chance of allergic reactions.
Some individuals might be allergic to capers or develop sensitivity over time. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, hives, or more severe reactions in rare cases.
As with any food product, if you believe you have an allergy or sensitivity, it’s best to avoid consuming capers and consult with a healthcare professional.
Do Capers Make You Poop?
Capers themselves are not specifically known to have a laxative effect.
They are relatively low in fiber, a nutrient often associated with promoting bowel movements. However, any change in diet or the introduction of new foods can sometimes affect digestive processes differently in various individuals.
It’s also worth noting that capers might be consumed in dishes rich in fiber or other ingredients that promote digestion.
For instance, if you’re having a salad rich in greens, whole grains, and capers, it might be the combined fiber content rather than the capers alone that influences bowel movements. As with any food, it’s always a good idea to observe how your body reacts and adjust your consumption accordingly.
Caper Substitutes
At times, you might find yourself without capers on hand while preparing a dish that calls for them.
Here are some alternatives that can mimic their distinct flavor and texture:
- Green Olives: They share a similar briny and salty flavor with capers. Finely chopped green olives can be used as a caper substitute in most recipes, especially in Mediterranean dishes.
- Pickles: Dill pickles, when minced, can imitate the tangy taste of capers. While they won’t match the exact flavor profile, they’ll provide a similar acidity to your dishes.
- Pickled Mustard Seeds: They have a texture akin to capers and can offer a pop of tartness, making them a suitable alternative in certain recipes.
- Thyme: If you’re trying to emulate the herbal notes of capers, a pinch of thyme can work wonders. However, remember that thyme lacks the saltiness of capers.
- Anchovies: For dishes that benefit from the salty flavor of capers, minced anchovies can be a fitting replacement. Their umami-rich profile can enrich sauces and pastas.
- Lemon Zest: If you’re looking to capture the tanginess of capers without the salt, a sprinkle of lemon zest can be your go-to substitute.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating capers into your meals is not just a culinary decision but also a healthy one.
Their distinctive flavor can enhance a range of dishes, from the sophisticated to the everyday. The next time you’re looking to elevate your cooking, remember the mighty caper.
