What is capers and how to use them?

What the cook does not do to amaze the sophisticated gourmets: mix salted and sweet, add to the dishes unusual ingredients and strong spices. The latter include capers.

What is capers ? Let us consider in more detail!

Capers is one of the most ancient seasonings in the world. For the first time it is mentioned in the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. It represents the unblown buds of a bush, known as a caper. It is common in the Mediterranean, Central Asia and North Africa. This plant can be found in the Southern Crimea.

Buds of capers are rich in protein (25%) and contain very little fat (3%). Also in their composition is iodine, magnesium, calcium, organic acids, fiber and vitamins A, B, C, E. At the same time they are a low-calorie product (23 kcal per 100 g). In this regard, everyone who sits on a diet, must necessarily know what capers are. After all, this product has many useful properties. Capers are a diuretic and choleretic agent, and also stimulate digestion and improve appetite.

In ancient times this spice was often used as a medicine. In particular, the decoction from the roots served as an anesthetic, and a decoction of flowers was used to strengthen the heart system and heal wounds. The capers berries were used for the preparation of medicines for toothache and thyroid diseases. Modern medical studies have confirmed that the fresh parts of the plant have anesthetic, aseptic and astringent properties. As a rule, capers are not subjected to heat treatment, so they retain most of the valuable substances.

How to use capers ?

They are often used in Mediterranean cuisine. But do not forget that the fresh buds of capers are bitter and not tasty. They acquire a special taste after several months of special treatment. They are accepted to marinate or salting, so they acquire a specific spicy taste, which is a bit like a mustard.

To fully understand what capers are, it's worth adding them to some dishes. This seasoning goes well with:

• Cheese (feta, mozzarella, brynza);
• Olives;
• Meat (chicken, beef, lamb);
• Seafood;
• Salted and smoked fish;
• Macaroni;
• Onions;
• Sweet pepper;
• Tomatoes;
• Eggs;
• Olive and butter;
• Celery;
• Greens.

Salted or marinated capers can be added to the ready-made dish. They are suitable for sauces, for example, for tar-tar. Capers are a variety of delicious dishes. For example, hodgepodge, pizza or seafood salad.

What is capers, must know the lovers of salad "Olivier". After all, this product was the integral ingredient of the original recipe for this dish. When added to dishes, capers are finely chopped or grinded. On average, one serving will require 1 teaspoon of spice. Although this dose can be changed. But it is worth remembering that salads with capers become even more delicious the next day. Mediterranean chefs recommend starting a meal with capers, chewing them to stimulate appetite.