Health benefits of capers
Capers are one of the highest plant sources of flavonoid compounds rutin (or rutoside) and quercetin. Capers, in fact, are the largest sources of rutin; 100 grams contain 332 mg of this compound. Also, Capers are a very rich source of quercetin (180 mg/100 g) second only to tea leaf. Both of these compounds work as powerful antioxidants. Research studies suggest that quercetin has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, rutin strengthen capillaries and inhibits platelet clump formation in the blood vessels. Both these actions of rutin help in smooth circulation of blood in the capillaries. It has found application in some in trial treatments for hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. It also found to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels in the obese individuals.
The spicy buds contain healthy levels of vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-K, niacin, and riboflavin. Niacin helps lower LDL cholesterol.
Furthermore, minerals like calcium, iron, and copper are present in sufficient amounts in them. High sodium level, however, is mainly due to the addition of sea salt (sodium chloride) in the brine.
Medicinal uses
Caper parts have been used to relieve rheumatic pain in traditional medicines.
Caper pickles traditionally added to recipes as an appetite stimulant. Also, they help reduce stomachache and flatulence conditions.
Selection and storage
If you are not from the countryside, then you most likely can find these beautiful tiny olive-green buds filled in a small, tall glass jar submerged in their pickling medium in the spice stores and groceries. Pickled capers can be readily available around the year in the markets.
Traditionally, buds washed in the cold water soon after their harvest and allowed to dry in the sun for few hours before being put into tall jars containing vinegar, brine, or olive oil. Alternatively, they can also be preserved in sea salt alone.
In general, small sized buds (less than 1 cm diameter) are considered more flavorful and therefore, preferred over the larger ones (more than 1 cm diameter). Capers should be preserved by immersing in the pickling medium; otherwise, they will soon become flavorless. Once you open the jar, make sure the bottle is refrigerated for future use. Use stainless steel spoon or fork to fish them out from the container.
Culinary uses
Capers, its tender shoots, as well as immature berries can be used in cooking. Raw buds have a neutral flavor and need to be processed in pickling medium to develop unique piquant, tangy flavor.
They featured in a variety of cuisines worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean cooking.
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