What Are Capers? Discover Their Flavor, Uses, and Benefits

Capers may be small, but they bring a big, bold flavor to the table. These tiny, tangy bursts of taste are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, adding a punch of briny goodness to everything from pasta to seafood.

Their ability to enhance simple and complex dishes has made them a favorite ingredient in kitchens worldwide. But what are capers exactly, and why do they have such a unique taste?

Whether tossed into a sauce, sprinkled over a salad, or mixed into a marinade, capers add a tangy kick that brightens the taste. Their salty and slightly tangy flavor makes them a favorite among chefs and home cooks.

If you’ve ever wondered what secret ingredient makes certain dishes pop with an unexpected depth of flavor, capers might be the answer.

What Are Capers?

Capers are the unripened flower buds of the Capparis spinosa or caper bush. These tiny buds are harvested before they bloom, and their characteristic bold flavor is developed through a preservation process.

Capers are commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. Their salty, tangy, and slightly bitter taste pairs exceptionally well with pasta, seafood, and salads.

Because capers are intensely bitter when fresh, they are almost always consumed after being pickled in vinegar, brined in salt, or dry-cured in salt.

This process helps mellow their bitterness, deepen their flavor, and extend their shelf life, making them an easy go-to ingredient for adding a zesty kick to meals.

Moreover, capers are a great addition to a flexitarian diet. They enhance both plant-based dishes and those that include occasional animal proteins, offering a burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

How Capers Are Harvested and Processed

Capers are labor-intensive to harvest. They are carefully hand-picked in the early morning, just before the flower buds bloom, to ensure that they are at their peak flavor. Timing is crucial, as harvesting too early or too late can affect the taste.

The size of the caper also influences its flavor and texture. Smaller capers tend to have a more delicate and concentrated flavor, while larger capers are stronger in taste.

After harvesting, the buds undergo various curing processes:

• Pickling: Capers are soaked in vinegar, giving them a sharp, acidic flavor.
• Brining: The capers are packed in salt water, producing a more intense, savory taste.
• Dry Packing: Some capers are cured by being packed in salt, which allows them to retain a richer flavor.

Each preservation method enhances the tangy, briny flavor that makes capers a popular ingredient.

What Do Capers Taste Like?

Capers offer a bold combination of tanginess, saltiness, and slight bitterness. Their flavor is sharp and savory, with a subtle lemony note that brightens up any dish. The briny flavor pairs wonderfully with rich foods, balancing their heaviness with a burst of acidity.

Due to their strong flavor, capers should be used in small amounts. Just a few capers can bring an incredible depth of flavor to a dish without overwhelming it. Their flavor adds complexity to sauces, salads, and seafood, acting as both a seasoning and a garnish.

Caper Varieties and Sizes

Capers come in various sizes, each offering different textures and flavor intensities. Usually, smaller capers are known for their delicate flavor, while larger ones are bolder and stronger. The most common caper varieties include:

• Nonpareils (≤7mm): These are the smallest and most used. They offer an intense, tangy flavor and are often used in gourmet dishes and a few German foods.
• Surfines (7-8mm): Slightly larger, these capers are still rich in flavor and are commonly used in Mediterranean dishes like pasta sauces and tapenade.
• Capucines (8-9mm): These are milder in flavor and firmer in texture. They are often used in salads or vegetable-based dishes.
• Capotes (9-11mm): Larger and less intense, they are perfect for hearty stews or braised dishes.
• Fines (11-13mm): These are larger, milder capers, often used for pickling or in spreads.
• Grusas (>14mm): The largest, these capers are less common and are often used in bulk preparations or as a garnish.

The size of the caper affects how it’s used in cooking. Smaller capers blend seamlessly into sauces and dressings, making them perfect for adding flavor to lighter dishes.

Larger ones, on the other hand, add texture and a more intense flavor to heartier dishes, such as stews or roasted meats. Whether you’re cooking with capers or using them to complement a salad, their size and flavor make them a versatile kitchen ingredient.

How to Use Capers in Cooking

Capers are a versatile ingredient, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. Their distinctive briny, tangy flavor enhances various dishes, from seafood to pasta, salads, and sauces. Capers can even elevate vegan food, providing flavor to plant-based dishes.

Versatile Applications:

Here are some common ways to use capers:

• Chicken Piccata: This classic dish features a lemony, buttery sauce where capers add a pop of acidity and depth.
• Tapenade: A Mediterranean spread made by combining capers with olives, garlic, and anchovies. It’s perfect as a dip or sandwich spread.
• Salads: Add capers to potato salads, grain bowls, or leafy greens for a tangy flavor.
• Sauces and Dressings: Capers can enhance the complexity of flavors by incorporating creamy dressings, pan sauces, or compound butter.
• Garnish: Their tangy bite pairs well with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and bagels, making them a favorite for brunch.

Preparation Tips

While capers are easy to use, a few preparation tips can help you get the best results:

• Rinse Before Use: If your capers are too salty or the dish already has a lot of strong flavors, rinse them under cold water to remove some of the excess salt.
• Add Late in Cooking: To preserve their texture and bright flavor, add capers near the end of cooking rather than letting them simmer for a long time.
• Use the Brine: Don’t toss out the liquid from jarred capers—it’s flavorful! Use it in marinades, salad dressings, or cocktails for an extra kick.

Are Capers Healthy?

Despite their small size, capers are packed with beneficial nutrients. They are high in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may promote overall health.

Capers also contain vitamins A and E, essential for skin health, immune function, and reducing inflammation.

Additionally, capers are low in calories and fat, making them an excellent option for those looking to add flavor without extra calories. A tablespoon of capers contains only about 2 calories, allowing you to enjoy their tangy taste guilt-free.

However, capers are also high in sodium due to the pickling or brining process. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, rinse them before use to reduce the salt content.

Overall, capers are a healthy addition to any balanced diet when used in moderation. They offer a flavorful, nutritious way to elevate your meals without contributing excessive calories.

Conclusion

Capers are small but pack a big punch in terms of flavor. Their tangy, briny bite makes them an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, whether enhancing pasta, seafood, or salads. From their flavor to health benefits, capers are a versatile and valuable addition to your kitchen.

Despite their high sodium content, they provide antioxidants and essential vitamins, making them a healthful choice when used in moderation.

Whether you prefer the delicate nonpareils or the larger capotes, capers are an ingredient worth keeping for their bold flavor and ability to transform a dish.

Now that you know what a caper is, remember these tiny buds the next time you want to add flavor!