We all relish berries! Small, colourful fruits known for their rich nutritional content and health-boosting properties, offering great support for immunity, heart health, and skin vitality, thanks to their antioxidants and vitamins. While most people are familiar with sweet berry varieties (like blueberries and strawberries), there are also savoury types which you may not have heard about. One such tiny little berry is the caper berry. This unique fruit, popular in Mediterranean cuisine, grows on the caper bush and is prized for its briny, lemony flavor, as well as its crunchy texture, making it a delicious addition to many dishes.
Where Are Caper Berries Found?
A fruit from the caper bush (Capparis spinosa), caper is a hardy plant native to the Mediterranean region that thrives in hot, arid climates with well-drained soil. You will see them in the wild along rocky hillsides, coastal areas, and stone walls. Countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco have them in abundance. While capers are the unopened flower buds, caper berries are larger and contain seeds, unlike capers. Berries are the fruit of the same plant. Today, caper berries are also cultivated in parts of Asia, North Africa, and California, making them increasingly accessible in international markets and gourmet food stores.
Health Benefits Of Caper Berries
Here are the key health benefits of this Mediterranean fruit
Combats Free Roaming Radicals
The berry has flavonoids like quercetin and rutin. Both rare compounds are known to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Supports Heart Health
Their anti-inflammatory properties present in caper berries aid in reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
Caper berries are rich in natural enzymes and fibre content. This can aid digestion and upkeep gut health.
Ideal For Weight Management
Caper berries are nutrient-dense yet low in calories, making them a healthy, guilt-free snack or meal addition.
Maintains Skin Health
The antioxidants and vitamins in caper berries can help protect skin cells from damage, which brings radiance and promotes a clearer, healthier complexion.
How To Use Caper Berries?
Here is how this tangy fruit is used across the globe
Gourmet Garnish For Mediterranean Dishes
Caper berries are often used as a finishing touch in Mediterranean recipes. Their vibrant, olive-like appearance and briny flavour add both visual appeal and taste to pasta dishes, grain bowls, and seafood plates. They work especially well with ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and herbs.
Flavourful Addition to Salads
Their firm texture and tangy, salty taste make caper berries a unique topping for several types of salads. When sliced or served whole, they bring a burst of flavour that contrasts beautifully with mild greens and creamy dressings.
Perfect Pairing For Cheese
Caper berries are great with cheese. Their zesty, pickled taste complements rich cheeses like goat cheese, and aged cheddar, as well as cured meats.
In Sauces And Marinades
Caper berries can be chopped and mixed into sauces and marinades to add depth and brightness. They are especially delicious in lemon-butter sauces for chicken or fish, and for yogurt-based dips.
A Bold Ingredient In Spreads
Their bold flavour makes caper berries an excellent ingredient for spreads. When blended with olives, garlic, and herbs, they create a rich, flavourful spread that’s ideal for breads or sandwiches.
Eaten Pickled
The easiest, popular, and most traditional uses of caper berries have been for pickling. Once pickled, they can be eaten straight from the jar as a tangy snack or served alongside olives, pickled onions, and vegetables.
Caper Berry Pickle Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh caper berries (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 5 crushed garlic cloves
- 2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Method
- Combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, mustard seeds, fennel, and peppercorns in a pan
- Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for five minutes
- Place the rinsed caper berries and herbs in a sterilized glass jar
- Pour the brine all over the caper berries
- Seal the jar and allow it to cool
- Refrigerate for at least 5 days before using. It can be stored for up to two months
- Enjoy your pickled caper berries with an array of foods
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
Preeti Sharma is a content writer with over close to a decade of experience. She specializes in crafting engaging blogs, stories, scripts, creative copies, and articles. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms. She has translated and edited over 30 published fiction novels, nonfiction books, and autobiographies, besides writing a twenty-minute TV show aired acrossthe US and other Asian countries.
References
Microbiological Study of Lactic Acid Fermentation of Caper Berries by Molecular and Culture-Dependent Methods
Rubén Pérez Pulido, Nabil Ben Omar, Hikmate Abriouel
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1317326/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9731540/
