Bella Adams
Currently, capers are rarely used in Ukraine and few people have heard of them, but in countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain, they cannot imagine dishes without these small pickled flowers. Capers are the unblown flower buds of the caper shrub.
The nutritional value of capers
In addition to their pleasant taste, capers also have a whole storehouse of vitamins and minerals. They contain proteins, fats, fiber, which are so necessary for the daily diet, iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and many other types.
Per 100 g of capers:
- Calories, kcal: 14
- Proteins, g: 0.8
- Fats, g: 0.1
- Carbohydrates, g: 2.6
Useful properties of capers
Capers contain rutin, which is why they are used for high blood pressure. A decoction of caper flowers, bark, and roots was prescribed to improve cardiac function, in case of pain of various kinds and neuroses.
Capers are especially useful for women, and their consumption protects the body from the development of cancer. Quercetin is a very useful flavonol in capers: it significantly improves skin condition – relieves inflammation and neutralizes allergic reactions.
Quercetin also provides protection against cancer, as it maintains the normal structure of DNA – it is known that many cancers change this structure, and then it can be difficult or even impossible to cope with them.
Capers are rich in chlorophyll.
The green pigment in plants is a powerful natural antioxidant. So these buds can improve blood circulation and give freshness to the skin. Caper tincture and oil are used in cosmetology. Spanish women have long been using these products to get natural protection from ultraviolet rays and moisturize their skin.
Capers in cooking
Capers have a specific, tart, sour-bitter flavor, in which some people recognize the aroma of pepper, while others recognize the aroma of mustard or horseradish. Thanks to this, they are an indispensable addition to many Mediterranean dishes, adding expressiveness to them. They enrich the taste of poultry, fish, pasta, seafood, and pizza.
Capers go well with tomatoes, as well as with the famous French remoulade sauce (the main ingredients are mustard, mayonnaise, chopped gherkins, and capers) and tapenade appetizer (olives, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, capers, olive oil).
In Spain, a popular addition, especially to fish dishes, is a paste of chopped capers, almonds, garlic, and parsley. Pickled navel fishes like the presence of olives, peppers, and other spices, especially oregano, mustard, basil, garlic, and tarragon. They can be delicious with cheeses, especially with mold. They should also be combined with boiled vegetables, such as asparagus beans.
Capers improve the taste of marinades, cheese pastes, or salads with herring. They are also used to garnish vegetable and meat fillings. Keep in mind that capers lose their unique flavor when exposed to temperature. Therefore, they should be added at the end of cooking, or even better, too cold dishes.
Harm and contraindications of capers
The harm of capers is a very real concept.
Sometimes pregnant women and women are allergic to this product, so it is excluded from their diet. Patients with gastritis and ulcers should refrain from pickled and spicy vegetables, including capers. Capers contain rutin, a rather active allergen, so this product is not recommended for those who are prone to allergies.
