Capers

[ktlou]

Further to doglady's question below, what exactly are capers? My bf and I went to pizza express on Sat and some of their pizza's have capers on them, but we have no clue what they are??

[shaneystar2]

Mediterranean shrub (Capparis spinosa) having white to pale lilac flowers and dehiscent fruits with reddish pulp.
A pickled flower bud of this plant, used as a pungent condiment in sauces, relishes, and various other dishes.

http://whatscookingamerica.net/foto2/capers1.j pg

[sweetdor]

i think capers are the seed if you like from the nastershams flower (sorry for bad spelling)taste quite pepperyi use them choppeed up with gurkins chopped parsley lemon juice to make tartare sauce

[nickmo]

And generally the caper is the (flower) bud and the caper berry is the fruit of the bush - both preserved and used in the same way. The berrires are generally a lot bigger than the buds.

sweetdor is right as well - nasturtium seeds can be a substitute if capers are not available. Capers got their name I think 'cos they smell like goats pee . . . (Latin name for goat is 'capra', if I remember - any cleverer peeps please correct this!)

Darn good site with info on spices and their origins here if you get bored or wonder wher something in your kitchen comes from (other than the shops . . .)

[ktlou]

Thanks for all your answers guys, very helpful indeedy!

[doglady]

Yuk, goat pee. Maybe i won't be using them again then. Actually, having worked in a zoo in my youth, I knew they reminded me of something, but couldn't quite place it!!