Capers

If you were surprised to learn where capers came from, it might be helpful to get a primer on a close relative, the caperberry. Do you know the difference between the two?

These oblong, semi-green fruits, which are picked from the same plant as capers, are similar in size to small grapes or olives. The berries have a brined, lemony taste that's reminiscent of capers, but with less salt and intensity. If the immature blossoms of the flowering bush aren't selected to become capers, they flower into a white and violet-colored bloom, and later fruit to produce a berry that, when brined, has a milder, less piquant flavor than a caper.

Caperberries have varied uses from their smaller counterparts; they're often eaten as a snack alongside antipasti or placed in lieu of olives as a garnish in Bloody Marys and martinis. They can also be incorporated into savory salads.

Do you prefer caperberries to capers? What are your favorite ways to consume them?

Like hearts of palm, capers have become a fixture in salad bars, smoked salmon spreads, and meat marinades. But besides their characteristically piquant flavor, what do we know about them? Capers have played a significant role in Mediterranean cuisine for thousands of years; early dishes have been traced back to before 3000 BC. These tiny green dots are the immature flower buds of a thorny, prickly bush that's widespread all over the Middle East and Mediterranean.

Processing the buds is labor-intensive, as they must be plucked at a specific point in the maturation process. The bud, which is generally flavorless when fresh, develops an intense, sharp flavor after the blossoms are sun-dried and brined in vinegar, salt, or wine. And while they range in size from 7 mm to the size of a small olive, smaller caper varieties are more aromatic and come with a higher price tag.

Are you astonished to hear that capers have been preserved for thousands of years? What are your favorite ways to enjoy them?

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In German, schnitzel is the word for "cutlet" and the culinary technique usually refers to an ingredient that has been breaded. In this vegetarian variation, thick eggplant slices and meaty portobello mushrooms are dipped in egg and breadcrumbs. Instead of the usual fatty pan-frying, the veggies are baked until brown and crisp in the oven. A delightfully simple lemon-caper butter sauce makes this dish elegant enough for entertaining.

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With its thick tomato sauce dotted with capers and black olives, this dish is prepared in the classic Southeastern French style. The flavors meld quickly and the simple meal comes together in less than an hour.

Although the addition of potatoes is not traditional, the starchy vegetables are a welcome ingredient that balances the dish. For a complete meal, serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of Provençal red wine. To look at the recipe, read more

It is Labor Day weekend, and that means barbecues to celebrate the end of Summer. Potato salad is a barbecue staple, but this dish doesn't need to be laden with high-fat mayo.


This potato salad features a red wine vinegar and mustard vinaigrette, with salty capers and cornichons (the French version of gherkins) for added flavor. Capers may be tiny, but nutritionally speaking, they pack quite a punch for their size. These little green olive-like nuggets of flavor are not only high in antioxidants, but they also inhibit the formation of by-products created in the digestion of meat that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. Remember, to reap all the nutritional benefit of your potatoes, don't peel your spuds, and boil them whole.

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Tuna steaks are a delicious and healthier alternative to beef steaks. The meaty fish — that takes well to most seasonings — is filling and easy to cook. In this provocative recipe, tuna is topped with a pungent, Italian style salsa verde and chunks of ripe avocado. The salsa is made like a vinaigrette with fresh parsley, garlic, capers, mustard, and olive oil.

To make this succulent tuna tonight get the recipe and read more

If you're looking for a fun Valentine's Day side, look no further than this Beet and Fennel Salad with Fried Capers. The beets provide a vibrant red color and the fennel brings the zing. You could even make it super-cutesy by cutting the beets into heart shapes. To check out this deliciously lovely salad, read more

Serving fish or chicken on top of a bed of greens, instead of rice or potatoes, is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your everyday diet. Start tonight with a simple, sole spinach salad. Petrole sole is a super mild, flaky fish that takes on its surrounding flavors.

In this recipe, the lightly seasoned sole is quick-cooked in a sauté pan and served atop a bed of spinach, scallions, and shaved Parmesan. Luscious salty capers provide a jewel-like finish.

To get the delicious recipe, read more