Grocery
Capers in Brine
What it is
These are the pickled flower buds of the caper bush, preserved in a salty brine. They are small, round, and typically green in color. The brining process gives them a distinct tangy and slightly floral flavor. They are a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, adding a bright, pungent note to dishes.
How people cook with it
Capers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both hot and cold preparations.
- Sprinkled over pasta dishes
- Mixed into tartar sauce
- Added to chicken piccata
- Garnishing salads
Before using, it is often recommended to rinse capers under cold water to remove some of the excess saltiness from the brine. This rinsing step helps to temper their intensity, allowing their unique flavor to complement rather than overpower other ingredients. They can be added directly to sauces, dressings, or marinades, or they can be lightly chopped for a more distributed flavor. Their small size means they integrate easily into various culinary creations, providing bursts of briny goodness.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to caperberries, which are the fruit of the caper plant, capers are the flower buds. Caperberries are larger and have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor profile. Capers are more intensely briny and acidic, offering a sharper taste.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use capers to add a distinctive savory element to their meals.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any remaining capers in their brine in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Ensure the capers are fully submerged in the brine to maintain their quality and prevent them from drying out. Properly stored, they will keep for several weeks.