What are capers, how do you prepare them, what do they taste like, where can I buy them, and what dishes use them? I put together this guide to teach you all about this unique ingredient! Keep on reading to find out more!
Guide To Capers
Many of us have had various dishes served to us with capers, not knowing what they actually are! Capers are often served with fish, rice, and soup.
They are often used in Mediterranean cuisine, but can also be found in many other types of dishes as well.
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You may not know the name of a caper, but I am sure you have seen them before. Capers are immediately recognizable by their small round shape and deep green color, remember them now?
What Are Capers
Capers are the unripened buds that come from a caper bush. The caper bush is a small plant that grows in many places around the world such as Asia, Australia, Italy, and Spain.
The bud of the caper bush is put out in the sunlight until it is completely dried, similar to sun-dried tomatoes. Once the bud is dry, it is pickled in salt water, wine, or vinegar.
How To Cook Capers
Most likely if you have a recipe that calls for capers, there is no specific cooking requirement for them. They are often added at the end of a recipe to enhance the tanginess of the dish.
If you want to cook them, you can fry them up in a few tablespoons of olive oil until they crisp up and split open!
Capers can also be eaten right out of the jar without any further preparation.
Tips on Cooking Capers
Capers usually come in jars and have already been prepared for you. Jarred capers don't require any cooking or preparation.
If you choose to buy unprepared capers, the following tips will help them be just as delicious as the jarred version.
Tip 1. Use fresh and clean capers for the best results. Sift through the buds and discard any unusable or open buds.
Tip 2. Use apple cider vinegar as your pickling brine. Apple cider vinegar is tangy and sweet, and it helps boost the flavor.
Tip 3. Allow your capers to ferment for at least 3 days in a closed glass jar before tasting to allow the flavor to deepen.
What Does A Caper Taste Like
Capers have a burst of tangy flavors. Depending on what they are pickled with they may have layers of saltiness or a citrusy lemon flavor!
The flavor of a caper is similar to a green olive.
Capers Vs Green Peppercorns
Many people confuse capers for green peppercorns. Both items are small, round, and green, but they are dramatically different in the way that they taste!
A caper is a flower bud from the caper bush, they are often pickled and eaten on top of salads, meats, and soups.
Green peppercorns are immature black peppercorns. They taste similar to a mild green pepper, they are not nearly as spicy or robust as their mature version.
Best Recipes with Capers
Capers are used in many dishes such as fresh bruschetta, tender salmon, and even tangy Caesar dressing.
If you want a delicious dish that uses juicy capers then you must try out this veal scallopini! This recipe is quick and easy to make, with multiple layers of savory and tangy flavors that you and your family will love!
Are They Good For Me
Capers are full of vitamins A, E, and C, iron, calcium, and protein.
However, they do have a high salt content, which means you should limit them if you have high blood pressure.
Where Can I Buy Them
You can buy already-made capers in a jar at any grocery store across the United States! Look for them in the condiments aisle!
How Long Do They Last
An unopened jar of capers will last for a few years until the seal is broken.
Once your jar has been opened you should use it within one year.
Do you eat capers out of the jar? Or, do you have any recipes that have capers listed as an ingredient? I would love to know more about the dish in the comments below!
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