Capers

Capparis spinosa

flower · fermented

Flower buds of a thorny shrub of the Mediterranean scrubland, preserved in salt or brine; a sharp, salty condiment. They provide quercetin.

Origin

Mediterranean scrubland

Season (United States)

imported · all year round

Preparation

Salt-packed, they are rinsed or soaked a few minutes before use.

Molecules

Flavonols (quercetin)

Did you know?

The caper bush grows even between the stones of old walls; its smallest buds fetch the highest prices, so they are picked every day. The much larger caper berry is its fruit.