What Are Capers

What are capers? Also called a caperberry or a caperbush berry, the caper is frequently encountered in recipes and alternative medicine resources. What are important facts to know about capers and the uses for the popular dried berry? 

Where are capers found in nature? Capers are the closed flower buds of the Capparis spinosa bush, commonly found in the Mediterranean region. The Capparis spinosa may also be found in warmer climates of the United States, such Californiaand Florida. 

How are capers harvested and processed? The capers must be hand-picked from the bush. Harvested capers are then sun-dried and generally pickled in a strong vinegar brine solution. Harvested capers range in size from petite to ones as large as an adult fingertip.

What are the most common uses for capers? Capers have a variety of uses ranging from kitchen spice to natural medicinal remedy. Capers offer a very salty, sharp flavor to sauces or when used as a condiment to season meat, fish and vegetables. Capers have been used for centuries in alternative medicine, with reports claiming benefit to the treatment of rheumatic disorders and improvement of liver and kidney function to name a few. Extracts and pulps of the caper have also been cosmetic ingredients.

What should you know about using capers in cooking? As mentioned, capers are generally packed in a vinegar brine solution, although they may also be simply bulk dried and salted for storage. It is important to rinse the capers, whether in solution or dried, prior to use. Even with rinsing, capers are very salty and recipes may require adjustment to reduce or alter additional salt or salty ingredients. A little goes a long way in caper usage, meaning that literally a few tiny capers add a lot of flavor to a dish.