Capers: What They Are and How to Use Them in Cooking

Hello, friends!

Sometimes I use capers in my cooking, but often my students don’t know what they are or how to use them.

I personally love them, and I hope that by the end of this article, you will too.

Since so many people ask about capers, I want to share a little about their history, the varieties available, and how to use them in the kitchen. And at the end, I’ll give you a few interesting recipes — so read on and feel free to leave comments if you have any questions.

Capers

What Are Capers?

Capers are small green flower buds harvested from the Capparis spinosa plant, which grows in Mediterranean regions and other warm climates — like Italy, Greece, Spain, and Turkey — but they are also cultivated in other countries with suitable climates.

Caper flower and unopened buds

They have been a culinary favorite in many cultures. Mentions of capers can be found in ancient Greek and Roman texts, where they were used as a seasoning and a flavorful addition to dishes. In the Middle Ages, capers became known in Europe, where they were widely used for medicinal purposes due to their healing properties.

I won’t focus on the medicinal aspects here (which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, digestive support, blood pressure regulation, and immune boosting). Let’s jump straight into cooking.

Capers: Forms You Can Buy

Capers are sold in several forms:

1. Small Capers

These are the most common type. Measuring usually 5–7 mm in diameter, they have a bright, punchy flavor that adds tangy and salty notes to many dishes. They are perfect for salads, marinades, sauces, and appetizers.

2. Large Capers

Larger buds, 7–14 mm, have a milder, less intense flavor than small capers. They are great for dishes where you want a subtler caper presence. These are less commonly found in stores.

3. Capers Berries

These are the ripe fruits of the caper bush. Softer in texture and less tangy than regular capers, caper berries are often used in salads or as a garnish for meats and fish.

What Do Capers Taste Like?

Capers have a unique combination of tanginess, saltiness, and a slight peppery bite. Their fresh, slightly sharp flavor adds a punch to any dish.

Honestly, the best way to understand their taste is to try them yourself. Chances are, your local grocery store carries them. Go grab a jar, and then continue reading — I’ll show you some delicious ways to use them.

How to Use Capers in Cooking

Capers can be used fresh or preserved. I recommend adding them at the last minute to retain their distinctive flavor and texture.

• Salted Capers: Strong flavor and aroma, often used directly in dishes.
• Pickled Capers: Most common in stores, usually preserved in vinegar or oil with spices. Pickled capers have a softer texture and a more complex taste.
• Dried Capers: Less common, with a concentrated flavor — great as a seasoning.
• Fresh Capers: Rare, usually in regions where they are grown; often pickled or salted before use.

Recipes with Capers

1. My Favorite Capers and Parsley Sauce

Perfect with baked fish (white or red), chicken breast, roasted vegetables, or as a salad dressing. Adds fresh parsley flavor, a tangy caper punch, and a hint of lemon.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp finely chopped capers
• 50 g fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the chopped capers, parsley, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Add olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with black pepper and salt.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over baked fish or chicken, or use as a salad dressing.

2. Chicken Piccata with Pickled Capers

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast fillets
• 120 g flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• 120 ml white wine (optional)
• 120 ml chicken broth
• 2 tbsp small pickled capers
• Juice of half a lemon
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Slice chicken fillets into even portions, coat with flour, season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken on both sides.
3. Add white wine and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
4. Add capers and lemon juice.
5. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 10–15 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

3. Capers and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 tbsp pickled capers
• Half a red onion
• 50 g fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Dice tomatoes and slice red onion into thin half-rings. Combine in a bowl with capers and chopped parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately.

Enjoy experimenting with capers in your kitchen! They are versatile, flavorful, and can really elevate simple dishes.