In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Are Capers?Capers vs. Caper BerriesFlavorStoringTypesHealth BenefitsRinsingUsesSubstitutes
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Are Capers?
Capers vs. Caper Berries
Flavor
Storing
Types
Health Benefits
Rinsing
Uses
Substitutes
Close
Photo: Getty Images
Are Capers the Same as Caper Berries?
What Do Capers Taste Like?
The flavor of capers can be difficult to describe because their profile is specific and unique. Capers taste like, well, capers. Fresh capers are vegetal, floral, bitter and slightly tart-tasting. Their natural, pungent profile can be off-putting, so commercial capers are processed in either of two ways for the consumer. To make them palatable, caper producers pickle the little buds in a brine of water, salt and acid (like vinegar), or they dry-salt cure them. Though the methods are different, the resulting flavors are similar: salty, briny and tangy capers. The aromatic and vegetal qualities are reduced but still present, and the overall flavor remains sharp.
How to Store Capers
According to the USDA, store unopened jars of pickled capers at room temperature for12 to 18 months. Once the container is opened, capers can be kept in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Storing the capers in their brine until use is also recommended becausesalt reduces the growth of microorganismsthat could lead to food poisoning.
Types of Capers
The larger the caper buds, the tougher the texture.
Health Benefits of Capers
A 2019 study found in theJournal of Food Science,noted that these tiny flower buds contain phenolic compounds…, such as quercetin and kaempferol, with the highest concentration in nonpareils, the first stage of flower development. These compounds may haveantioxidant and antidiabetic properties, withpotential capabilitiesin treating cancer, heart disease and cell inflammation—more research is needed to prove their effectiveness, though.
Many common foodscontain phenolic compounds, including herbs like basil, fruits like oranges and peaches, and vegetables like kale, cabbage and yams.
Should I Rinse Capers?
To reduce thesalt in capers, rinse them with water to wash off the brine or salt. This method is recommended for people on alow-sodium diet, such as those withkidney diseaseorhigh blood pressure.
If you are generally healthy, rinsing capers in water is a personal choice—washing off the brine certainly dilutes the saltiness, but that also depends on your taste preference. When capers are added in small amounts or are eaten sparingly to enhance the flavor of a dish, you may not necessarily need to rinse them.
How to Use Capers
Capers can be added to many different types of dishes. They may be included whole, fresh out of the jar or can, or fried for additional texture, or pureed for use in a sauce. We even like them for dip, like in our3-Ingredient Smoked Fish Dip with Capers. Serve it with baguette slices at your next dinner gathering.
These green buds pair well with seafood entrees likefish stew,salmonandscallops. Capers also add a layer of savoriness to salads, including ourArugula & Potato Salad with HerbsandMashed Chickpea Salad with Dill & Capers.
Moreover, you can use capers to make sauces—ourWhite Wine Lemon-Caper Sauceis a perfect example—use it to drizzle over entrees or as a pasta sauce. Or blend these green buds with mayonnaise to go along withsalmon cakes—you can’t go wrong with this flavor combination.
Capers complement proteins beyond seafood, too—ourtomato caper saucerecipe provides a unique flavor that enhances simple grilled chicken breasts—you may be pleasantly surprised!
Finally, these versatile green buds taste amazingly delicious with eggs, as well as on sandwiches. Try them in ourEgg Salad & Avocado Toast with CapersandGreen Goddess Sandwichrecipes.
Whether scattering them as a garnish to finish a dish or cooking them in a sauce, having capers handy can add taste and complexity to many recipes.
Substitutes for Capers
When you don’t have capers on hand, or if you just don’t particularly like their flavor, it’s relatively easy to compensate or substitute for capers. Replace capers with lemons and/or limes to mimic that bright, acidic tanginess, as well as green olives for their salt and somewhat similar flavor profile.
The Bottom Line
Capers offer a savory and bold flavor pop in tiny spherical packaging. A small amount of capers goes a long way. While these edible, pickled buds offer potential health benefits, you may be better off eating them sparingly, especially if you are watching your salt intake. Nevertheless, capers are an excellent accent to a variety of dishes—check out ourScallops & Cherry Tomatoes with Caper-Butter SauceorSwordfish with Olives, Capers & Tomatoes over Polentatoday.
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