What is a caper?
Capers are tiny, tangy vegetables. They are the flower buds of an attractive shrub (Capparis spinosa) that is common in the Mediterranean region but rare in this country. The caper shrub has long branches and dark green, fleshy leaves. The plants are dormant in fall and winter. From spring to fall, buds form in each leaf joint. If not harvested for pickling, these open into white crepe-like flowers. Each flower lasts only half a day. Small buds are considered best in flavor. Capers require pickling; they are unpalatable raw. Capers are evaluated by size. The smaller (nonpareil) are usually used whole in recipes. The larger (Capote) capers are generally chopped to add to sauces and dressings. The English translation for the French words “nonpareil” is without equal.
