Capers, often spotted atop bagels or enhancing dishes like chicken piccata, are more than just a garnish. These small green additions pack a flavorful punch that can transform your meals. But What Are Capers Food, exactly? This guide will delve into the world of capers, covering everything from their origins to their culinary uses.
Where Do Capers Come From?
Capers are actually the unopened flower buds of the Capparis spinosa, commonly known as the caper bush. These buds are harvested before they bloom, then dried in the sun and pickled in brine or packed in salt.
Capers – Quick Facts
- Origin: Mediterranean region and parts of Asia and Australia
- Common Uses: Pastas, sauces, salads, garnishes
- Substitute: Chopped green olives
Caper bushes thrive in the Mediterranean, with the island of Pantelleria, off the coast of Sicily, being particularly renowned for its high-quality capers.
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While smaller capers are often considered more desirable, food writer David Rosengarten discovered on Pantelleria that larger capers are actually more flavorful. The trade-off is that they may not hold their shape as well due to their proximity to flowering. Experimenting with different sizes is key to finding your preference.
Caperberries: The Next Level
If caper buds are left unharvested, they bloom and produce fruit known as caperberries. These larger, olive-sized delights contain seeds and offer a different texture compared to capers. Caperberries are often used as cocktail garnishes or as part of a cheese board.
What Do Capers Taste Like?
The dominant flavor profile of capers is saltiness, thanks to the brining or salt-packing process. However, capers also offer a distinct vinegary, acidic, and overall delightful taste that enhances many dishes.
Where to Buy Capers
Brined capers are widely available in most grocery stores and specialty food shops in the United States. Outside the US, you may find salt-packed capers. Remember to rinse salt-packed capers in warm water before using, as they may have a more floral flavor compared to their brined counterparts.
How to Store Capers Properly
Opened jars of brine-packed capers can last up to 9 months in the refrigerator. Unopened jars can be stored in the pantry. Salt-packed capers will keep for up to 6 months in the pantry.
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Culinary Uses for Capers: Unleashing the Flavor
Capers are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
- Garnish: Sprinkle capers on top of pasta, seafood, or bagels for a burst of salty and acidic flavor. They work wonders in creamy or lemony pasta dishes.
- Ingredient: Capers are excellent for cutting through richness in sauces like Bearnaise, mayonnaise in potato salad, or brown butter in sole meuniere. Add them at the end for a brighter flavor or during cooking for a more mellow taste.
- Fried: Frying capers elevates them to a whole new level. Pat them dry and fry in hot vegetable oil for 45-90 seconds until crispy. They are delicious on scallops, eggplant, or enjoyed on their own as a snack.
- Chopped: Finely chop capers and add them to tuna salad, potato salad, or any salad where a touch of acidity is desired.
- Brine: Don’t discard the brine! Use it as a flavorful addition to pan sauces, mayonnaise, or marinades. It can also add a unique twist to a Bloody Mary.
Capers Substitute
If you don’t have capers on hand, chopped green olives make a suitable substitute. Remember to adjust the salt level in your dish to compensate for the absence of the salty capers.
Recipes Where Capers Really Shine
Pasta Puttanesca
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Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Caper Sauce
In conclusion, capers are versatile and flavorful ingredients that deserve a place in every pantry. From their unique origins as pickled flower buds to their wide range of culinary applications, capers offer a delightful way to enhance your meals.
