Caper
The caper is the unopened flower bud of the caper bush (*Capparis spinosa*), a perennial plant associated with the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia.
The caper is the unopened flower bud of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa). It is typically cured in salt or brine, giving it a tangy, salty flavour used in cooking.
What it is
Capers are the immature flower buds of the caper bush, a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. They are not seeds or berries. The plant also produces caper berries, which are the fruit — larger, firmer, and seedier than capers.
How it is prepared
After harvest, the buds are dried and cured in salt or pickled in brine. This preservation process develops the familiar briny, tangy flavour and reduces bitterness. The sodium content can be significant due to the curing liquid.
Culinary and nutrition
Capers are used sparingly as a seasoning or garnish in salads, pasta, fish dishes, sauces, and dressings to add brightness and saltiness. They are low in calories but eaten in small amounts, so they are not a major nutrient source. In Canada, they appear in Mediterranean-style dishes and smoked salmon accompaniments.
In short
- Capers are unopened flower buds, not seeds or berries.
- They are cured in salt or brine for tangy flavour.
- Caper berries are the fruit, larger and seedier.
- High in sodium due to preservation.
Capers are widely used in Canadian home cooking and restaurant cuisine, especially in Mediterranean-style dishes, smoked salmon accompaniments, and salad dressings.
Quick questions
What are capers?
What do capers taste like?
What is the difference between capers and caper berries?
Sources
- Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-are-capersSupports: Capers are unopened flower buds of *Capparis spinosa*; they are cured in salt or brine; basic flavour and nutritional notes.
- Wisconsin Horticulture — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/capers-capparis-spinosa/Supports: Botanical identification of capers as salted and pickled unopened flower buds of *Capparis spinosa*.
- NWTN — https://noshingwiththenolands.com/what-are-capers-what-do-i-do-with-them/Supports: Capers as unopened buds; caper berries as the fruit of the plant.
- Simply Recipes — https://www.simplyrecipes.com/what-are-capers-and-when-to-use-them-6754514Supports: Capers are pickled flower buds; common growing regions; preservation methods.
- MICHELIN Guide — https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/capers-ingredient-cookingSupports: Mediterranean and Asian range; culinary uses; sodium considerations; nutrient overview.
- Delish — https://www.delish.com/cooking/a36080251/what-are-capers/Supports: Capers are pickled buds; caper berries are the fruit.