Capers

Capers: The Exotic and Intriguing Flavor Enhancer

Food connoisseurs are always looking for something new and exciting to elevate their dishes, and capers are the perfect ingredient to jazz up any meal. These mysterious little olive-colored globes have an exotic and intriguing flavor that adds a unique zing to a variety of dishes. But what exactly are capers, and where do they come from? In this blog post, we'll be diving deep into the exciting world of capers, exploring how they're grown, harvested and eventually travel to your dinner plate.

What Are Capers?

Capers are a type of flower bud that grow on the shrubs of several species of plants in the Capparis family, most notably the Capparis spinosa, commonly known as the caper bush. They are usually 2-3mm in size, with a small stalk or pedicel that connects them to their parent branch. Originally hailing from the Mediterranean region, capers can now be found throughout the globe, particularly in Spain, France, Italy, and North Africa.

The Flavor of Capers

Capers are known for their briny and tangy flavor, with notes of vinegar and lemon. They have a unique taste that's a bit salty, a bit sour, and a bit sweet all at once. This flavor is due to the fact that their briny liquid, often derived from sea water, is full of flavor compounds such as caper acids and salicylates.

To really appreciate the taste of capers, you must try fresh capers – those sold in large jars are typically boiled in salty water, thus reducing the overall flavor intensity. If you can find them fresh or frozen, they will be much more flavorful.

The Origins of Capers

The tradition of preserving and eating capers dates all the way back to Ancient Rome and Greece, when it was believed that caper bushes were capable of ward off evil spirits. From there, the practice of growing and harvesting capers spread to other parts of Europe, and eventually to territories in the New World. As time went on, capers grew more popular for culinary purposes. Nowadays, they're commonly used to add a unique zing to a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas to seafood dishes.

The Process of Producing Capers

Capers are not easy to produce. It takes a great deal of skill, knowledge, and patience to grow and harvest the highest quality capers. Here we will discuss the process of creating these tiny flavor enhancers, from planting the seeds to packaging and shipping them to your dinner plate.

Planting and Germinating the Seeds

Growing capers requires the right conditions, including plenty of sunshine and soil with excellent drainage. Caper bushes must also be sheltered from strong winds, as they can easily damage their delicate branches. The process of germinating the seeds is also tricky, as it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks for the seeds to sprout.

Fertilizing the Soil

Because capers are sensitive crops, it's important that their soil is rich in nutrients. To ensure this, farmers will often use organic fertilizers such as compost, animal waste, and seaweed extracts. Adding fertilizers to the soil also helps increase the caper bushes' resistance to pests and diseases.

Harvesting

Once the capers reach between 1-2cm in size, they're ready to be harvested. Harvesters carefully pluck the buds off the bush, being sure not to pull the stalks to avoid damaging the plant. It takes a lot of practice and experience to gauge when the capers are at their peak size and ripeness.

Curing and Preserving

Once the capers are harvested, they must be processed to maintain their freshness. To do this, they are usually cured with salt or brine, which helps draw out the bitterness and preserve the flavor. This process is known as salting or pickling, and it helps keep capers crisp and flavorful.

Market Ready

Once the capers are salted, they are placed in a jar and covered with liquid, usually vinegar or brine. Ascorbic and citric acids are often added for more flavor. The brine also helps keep the capers from discoloring in the air.

The Journey to the Dinner Plate

Now that the capers are ready to go, they can be transported around the world to wherever they need to be. Capers are sold in both jars and bottles, and they can be found in most grocery stores and Italian delis. From there, they can make their way to your dinner plate and boost the flavor of your meal with their briny goodness.

Conclusion

Capers can be a great addition to any dish, adding a unique zing to otherwise boring meals. But for many, the mystery and intrigue surrounding these tiny slices of flavor can be just as exciting. Now that you know a bit about the process of producing capers, you can feel more confident when you add a handful of them to your next dish. Enjoy exploring their salty and tangy flavor, it's sure to add a truly unique twist to your meal!