Get to know these briny orbsand how to use capers to make your meals even better.
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If youre not cooking with capers, prepare for a new obsession.
Plus, every part of that jar is usable.
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The brine can be whisked intovinaigrettes, or used as a tenderizer inmarinades.
Heres everything it’s crucial that you know about capersyour new favorite ingredient.
What Are Capers?
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Capers are little flavor bombs, typically small, round, and dark green in color.
Capers grow predominantly in the Mediterranean, as well as in parts of Asia and Australia.
Those preserved in salt have a more powerful and fragrant flavor than those preserved in brine, says Guinness.
Victor Protasio
What Do Capers Taste Like?
Capers, not much larger than peppercorns, are packed with flavor.
If you like pickley, acidic flavors that make your mouth pucker, capers are for you.
Are There Different Types of Capers?
Just like olives, capers can come in many different types.
Larger capers tend to be tarter, and may need to be used more sparingly.
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They’re named according to their size.
From smallest to largest: surfines, capucines, capotes, and fines.
Capers pair well with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, but can easily find their way in worldwide cuisines.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
I use capers in everything, Guinness says.
Capers are such a versatile ingredient.
And just like flaky salt on a cookie, capers can indeed find themselves on sweets.
Caperberries, which are olive-size but can taste more caper-like, will also work as a caper substitute.
Mediterranean olives, like Kalamata, can also be swapped for capers.
The tart capers add a brightness to the sweet scallops and rich brown butter sauce.
Chickpea-Tuna Salad
Seafoodand capers pair so well together.
Here, a touch of capers elevates this Mediterranean-inspired salad, loaded with healthy protein from tuna and chickpeas.
