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Caper

The caper is the unopened flower bud of the caper bush (*Capparis spinosa*), a perennial plant associated with the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The caper is the unopened flower bud of the caper bush (*Capparis spinosa*), a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. Capers are typically cured in salt or brine before eating, which gives them a distinctive tangy, salty flavour. They are widely used in Canadian home cooking and restaurant cuisine, especially in Mediterranean-style dishes, smoked salmon accompaniments, and salad dressings.

Botany

Capers are the immature flower buds of *Capparis spinosa*, a perennial shrub commonly called the caper bush or Flinders rose. The plant is found wild in the Mediterranean region and adjacent areas.

Processing and preparation

After harvesting, the buds are dried and then cured in salt or pickled in brine. This preservation process develops the familiar caper flavour and makes them suitable for storage.

Culinary use

Capers are used as a seasoning or garnish in dishes such as salads, pasta, fish, sauces, and dressings. They are valued for adding brightness, saltiness, and acidity in small amounts.

Nutritional profile

Capers are low in calories and contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but they are not usually eaten in large enough quantities to be a major nutrient source. Their sodium content can be significant because of the curing liquid.

Key facts

  • Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush, not seeds or berries.
  • They are usually preserved in salt or brine before sale and use.
  • Their flavour is briny, tangy, and savory, with some bitterness reduced by curing.
  • Caper berries are the plant's fruit and are larger, firmer, and seedier than capers.
  • Capers are low in calories but often high in sodium due to preservation in brine.
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Canadian context

Capers are widely used in Canadian home cooking and restaurant cuisine, especially in Mediterranean-style dishes, smoked salmon accompaniments, and salad dressings.

Frequently asked questions

What are capers?
Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush (*Capparis spinosa*), usually cured in salt or brine before eating.
What do capers taste like?
They taste briny, salty, tangy, and slightly pungent, with some bitterness reduced by curing.
How do you use capers in cooking?
They are used sparingly as a seasoning or garnish in sauces, salads, pasta, fish dishes, and dressings to add sharp, savoury flavour.
What is the difference between capers and caper berries?
Capers are the unopened flower buds; caper berries are the fruit of the same plant and are larger, firmer, and usually milder in texture.
Where do capers come from?
They come from the caper bush (*Capparis spinosa*), which grows wild in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia.
Are capers good for you?
They are low in calories and contain some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but they are often high in sodium, so they are best used in moderation.

References

  1. Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-are-capers
    Supports: Capers are unopened flower buds of *Capparis spinosa*; they are cured in salt or brine; basic flavour and nutritional notes.
  2. Wisconsin Horticulture — https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/capers-capparis-spinosa/
    Supports: Botanical identification of capers as salted and pickled unopened flower buds of *Capparis spinosa*.
  3. NWTN — https://noshingwiththenolands.com/what-are-capers-what-do-i-do-with-them/
    Supports: Capers as unopened buds; caper berries as the fruit of the plant.
  4. Simply Recipes — https://www.simplyrecipes.com/what-are-capers-and-when-to-use-them-6754514
    Supports: Capers are pickled flower buds; common growing regions; preservation methods.
  5. MICHELIN Guide — https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/capers-ingredient-cooking
    Supports: Mediterranean and Asian range; culinary uses; sodium considerations; nutrient overview.
  6. Delish — https://www.delish.com/cooking/a36080251/what-are-capers/
    Supports: Capers are pickled buds; caper berries are the fruit.