Capers

Capers are the unripened flower buds of Capparis spinosa, a prickly, perennial plant which is native to the Mediterranean and some parts of Asia. After the buds are harvested, they are dried in the sun, then pickled in vinegar, brine, wine or salt. The curing brings out their tangy lemony flavor, much the same as green olives.

The flavor of Alcaparrones --caperberries-- is a less intense version of the typical flavor of a caper. Capers are the buds and caperberries are the fruit of a wild flowering bush, Capparis Spinosa, which grows in profusion along the long Mediterranean coastline of Spain. These juicy pickled treats are wonderful with seafood and as a garnish for salads.