Using capers as exquisiteseasoning known since ancient times. They are the buds of a rather common Kapersnik plant in warm places, pickled or salted according to a special recipe. This is one of the most interesting spices used in cooking.
A special feature of capers is the abilitysignificantly change the taste of food, in other words, they are positioned as a correcting spice. It is believed that dishes with capers acquire a more “noble sound."
What are capers in terms of botany
Capersnik (Capparis) is a common heat-loving plant belonging to the family of capers (Capparidaceae), although some sources refer it to the family of cabbage (Brassicaceae).
The genus of capers numbers over three hundred species,among which you can find perennial grasses, dwarf shrubs, shrubs and creepers. In the wild, it is found throughout the Mediterranean, in India, Central Asia, the Crimea, and the Caucasus. It is cultivated in Italy, France, Spain and Algeria.
Kapernik is amazingly beautiful, and at the time of hislush flowering is able to determine the impression of the landscape. Its orchid-like flowers are white, soft pink, or scarlet. The famous Iranian desert, Deshte Kavir (which means “caper sands”), turns red during the flowering of caper plant.
In the Caucasus and the Crimea, a prickly eel (Capparis spinosa) is common, covered with unusual white flowers all summer.
The season of collecting buds lasts from late spring to early autumn. Buds are harvested by hand several times over the summer. 10-15 days - the period during which the shrubs are covered with new buds.
During the season, from one caper (depending on his age), from 0.5 to 3 kg of buds are collected.
What are capers in terms of home breeding
Capersnik rarely grown at home, although they are very unpretentious and in countries with a cold climate they can be bred as an ampelous plant.
This is largely due to the fact that the caperquite a powerful shrub, for example, the root of an adult specimen can reach fifteen meters. But it grows very slowly and for a long time can be content with a pot of small diameter (16 cm). A pet who has gained strength can be transplanted into the ground, and his descendants, obtained by cuttings, can be settled in the house.
What are capers in terms of cooking
Buds capers picker, sorted by size(the value of capers affects their cost), then dried for a few days in the shade. The buds prepared in this way are salted or pickled by placing in vinegar-salt or oil-salt solution. In the Mediterranean, capers salted “dry”, sprinkled with salt.
After three months, the buds reachreadiness. They are reduced in size and become dark green. Ready-made capers acquire a savory taste, to describe which are suitable words: sour-salty, spicy, tart.
Capers are widely used in the Mediterraneanthe kitchen as a spice, determining the final taste of the dish. Usually they are ground and mixed with salt or other seasonings. With their help, the taste of soup, sauce, fish, beef and poultry can be improved. Vegetable salad with capers becomes sophisticated. Especially successful is the combination of capers with black olives and tomatoes.
Dishes with capers should not be subjected to prolonged heat treatment, because when heated, essential oils volatilize and the spice loses its taste.
What are capers in terms of medicine
Capers are helpful. They contain a large amount of vitamin C and vitamin P (rutin), which allows us to recommend capers as a firming agent.
The chemical composition of the buds has not yet been fully studied and, taking into account the diversity of existing species, it is not correct to characterize exactly the effect of capers on the human body.
