What is a caper?

by Cookthink

A caper is the pickled bud of a bush native to Asia and found throughout the Mediterranean. Capers are dried in the sun and pickled in a vinegar brine. Tangy green capers come packed in brine or coarse salt. Capers are found in various sizes, but Southern France's nonpareil are the smallest -- and the best. Italian varieties are larger, and large Spanish caperberries are the edible mature fruit that are pickled with their stems. The Romans used capers in fish sauces, which still works today. You can also add them to meatballs, scatter them on a pizza or smoked salmon, or mix them into all kinds of condiments and sauces. Salt-packed capers should be rinsed of excess salt before using.