Grocery
Capers in Brine
What it is
These are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush, preserved in a salty brine. They are small, round, and typically green. The brining process gives them their characteristic pungent, salty, and slightly floral flavor. They are a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, adding a distinctive taste to many dishes. Their size makes them easy to incorporate into various preparations.
How people cook with it
Capers are a versatile ingredient that can be used whole or chopped. They add a bright, briny punch to both hot and cold dishes.
- Sprinkled over pasta sauces
- Mixed into tartar sauce
- Added to chicken dishes
- Garnishing salads
To use capers, drain them from their brine. You can rinse them under cold water if you want to reduce some of the saltiness, though this can also diminish their flavor. For a more intense flavor, use them directly from the brine. They can be added whole to dishes, or for a more distributed flavor, they can be finely chopped. They are often stirred into sauces, mixed into dressings, or used as a garnish just before serving to maintain their texture and bright taste. Their small size means they integrate well into many culinary applications without overpowering other ingredients.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike olives, capers are the flower buds, not a fruit. Their flavor is more intensely briny and floral, with less of the fruity or bitter notes found in some olives. They are also typically much smaller than olives, offering a different textural element.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use capers to enhance the flavor profile of their dishes.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any leftover capers in their original brine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure they remain submerged in the brine to maintain their quality and prevent them from drying out. Properly stored, they can last for several weeks.