Surely you have come across capers in the menu of restaurants, shops. But do you know what it is?
Capers are immature buds from the bush plant Capparis spinosa, which is native to parts of Asia and Australia.
Once harvested, the capers are pickled with salt and acid. That is why they have a bright, rich taste.
To taste, capers are most similar to pickled olives, only with floral notes and citrus tartness.
Capers come in different sizes – from 7 to 13 mm.
The taste of capers, depending on the method of its preparation, is sour-salty, spicy, sometimes even tart. One way or another, the taste is very strong, expressive.
Capers are often found in Mediterranean cuisine. Capers are served with meat, fish, vegetable dishes, pizza.
In addition, capers are added to sauces.
Capers can be easily replaced with lemon juice, anchovies, green olives, nasturtium buds.