Capers are the unripened flower buds of the caper bush, scientifically known as Capparis spinosa , which grows wild in the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia
. These small, green buds are harvested before they bloom and then preserved by pickling in brine or curing in salt, which develops their characteristic tangy, salty, and slightly bitter flavor
. Culinarily, capers are prized for their bold, briny taste with a lemony tang and floral tartness, somewhat reminiscent of green olives but with their own unique sharpness
. Because fresh capers are intensely bitter, they are almost always eaten after preservation, which mellows their bitterness and enhances their savory qualities
. Capers are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italian, Greek, and Maltese dishes. They commonly feature in pasta sauces like puttanesca, seafood dishes, chicken piccata, salads, and as garnishes for smoked or cured fish such as lox
. Finely chopped capers add a bright, briny note to sauces, dressings, and compound butters, and they can also be fried for a crispy garnish
. There are different sizes of capers, with smaller ones (nonpareils) being more delicate and prized for their intense flavor, while larger capers have a stronger taste and firmer texture, suitable for heartier dishes
. In summary, capers are pickled flower buds known for their salty, tangy, and slightly bitter flavor, used extensively to add depth and brightness to Mediterranean and other cuisines
