HomeWhat Are Capers and How to Use Them in Cooking
What Are Capers and How to Use Them in Cooking
Let me tell you about the first time I had capers.
I was in my late twenties, and I was eating chicken piccata at an Italian restaurant. I kept getting these little pops of briny, almost lemony goodness. I had no clue what they were. Olives? Some weird kind of pea?
After asking the waiter, I finally figured it out. Capers. And from that moment, I was hooked.
What Are Capers?
A flower bud. Capers are the unopened flower buds of a shrub called Capparis spinosa.
A Mediterranean plant. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region.
A brined or pickled food. They are usually brined or pickled.
A flavor enhancer. They have a salty, tangy, and slightly lemony flavor.
A versatile ingredient. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
A culinary staple. They are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
The Different Types of Capers
Size. Capers are graded by size.
Small capers. Small capers (nonpareil) are the most prized.
Medium capers. Medium capers (surfines) are also good.
Large capers. Large capers (capotes) are less delicate.
The flavor. Smaller capers have a more delicate flavor.
The texture. Smaller capers have a firmer texture.
The price. Smaller capers are more expensive.
HomeWhat Are Capers and How to Use Them in Cooking
What Are Capers and How to Use Them in Cooking
Rinse them. Rinse capers before using them to remove excess salt.
Add them to sauces. Add capers to sauces for a burst of flavor.
Add them to salads. Add capers to salads for a salty crunch.
Add them to pasta. Add capers to pasta dishes.
Add them to fish. Add capers to fish dishes.
Add them to chicken. Add capers to chicken dishes.
Add them to vegetables. Add capers to vegetables.
Use them as a garnish. Use capers as a garnish.
Chicken Piccata. A classic Italian dish with chicken, lemon, and capers.
Pasta Puttanesca. A pasta sauce with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, and capers.
Salad Nicoise. A French salad with tuna, olives, and capers.Salads
Sauce Vierge. A sauce with tomatoes, herbs, and capers.
Tapenade. A spread with olives, capers, and anchovies.
Gremolata. A garnish with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.
How to Store Capers
In the refrigerator. Store capers in the refrigerator.
In their brine. Keep them in their brine.
In a sealed container. Store them in a sealed container.
For up to a year. They can last for up to a year.
Once opened. Once opened, use them within a few months.
Don’t freeze them. Freezing can affect their texture.
Antioxidants. Capers are rich in antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory. They have anti-inflammatory properties.
Digestive health. They can support digestive health.
Heart health. They can support heart health.
Weight management. They are low in calories.
Nutrient-rich. They contain vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are capers?
The unopened flower buds of a Mediterranean shrub.
What do capers taste like?
Salty, tangy, and slightly lemony.
How do you use capers?
They can be used in sauces, salads, pasta, fish, and chicken dishes.
Do you need to rinse capers?
Yes, rinse them before using to remove excess salt.
How do you store capers?
Store them in the refrigerator in their brine.
Can you eat capers raw?
Yes, but they are usually brined or pickled.
A Final Thought
When I learned about capers, I started adding them to more of my dishes. They are a simple way to add a burst of flavor.
Have you ever used capers? Share your favorite recipe in the comments. 
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