*Capers are immature flower buds of the perennial spiny shrub, Capparis spinosa of the family Capparaceae, native to the Mediterranean region.

*When picked, they are dark green in color, about the size of a kernel of maize.

*They are picked, sometimes sun-dried and pickled in salt or a solution of salt and vinegar. Pickled capers have a stronger flavor than the fresh capers which are rather bland and less flavorful.

*Pickled capers are very salty, so they need to be rinsed before adding to the dishes. People on sodium-restricted diets should avoid capers.

*Used whole or chopped as a seasoning or garnish mostly in Sicilian, Italian, French and Greek cuisines.

*They have a sharp piquant flavor, and add a pungent and sour taste and a spicy fragrance to the dishes.

*Sometimes, capers are substituted for olives to garnish a martini.

*They are generally used in small quantities to season fish sauces and marinades, meat sauces, and other savory sauces.

*They are graded depending on the size, the smallest ones (less than 10 mm) are the best and are graded using the term ‘Nonpareilles’ and the larger ones (up to 16 mm) are graded using the term ‘Surfines’.

*Buying and storage: Capers in brine solution keep well at room temperature for up to 6 months. Opened jars should be refrigerated in their own contents tightly closed, and used within 6 months.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if you pick them straight from the caper bush.
*No, as all the capers available in the supermarkets in glass jars are cured in salt and vinegar to develop the strong flavor.

Health Benefits

1. Capers are very low in calories, has minimal amounts of fats and no cholesterol.

2. Good source of B – group vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, and folic acid that are essential to enhance the energy production from the foods.

3. Moderate source of Vitamin A. It enhances the eye sight, fights against acne, and results in smooth radiant skin.

4. Good source of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, and prevents bruising of the skin.

5. Moderate source of Vitamin E and selenium, which are natural antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals that oxidize fats, preserves the integrity of cell membranes, and protects our body.

6. Good source of Vitamin K, which prevents internal and external bleeding.

7. Good source of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.

8. Good source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.

9. Capers are used to treat flatulence, and also are considered hepatic stimulants and protectors, improving liver function.