Pickles are one of the bases of tapas in our country. In fact, they are present in numerous preparations that you are sure to know. And if pickles are so popular, capers they are the star product. It is a very common ingredient in Mediterranean. And it is that, both the pickles and the salty ones can be used as a dressing. Without a doubt, its versatility and characteristics will surprise you. In fact, if you haven't had the chance to try it yet ... You won't be able to resist!
Origin of capers
They are a product with a lot of history and, above all, with great power in terms of nutritional values it means. To investigate its first consumption, we have to go back more than 10.000 years, according to the findings that several researchers achieved in Syria and in Greece. It should be noted that this pickle has traditionally been used as folk medicine.
In fact, numerous studies have found that its use in rodents improves the metabolic disorder related to diabetes. Such as, for example, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin-independent elevated liver markers. In addition, it has been confirmed that the capers They are very good and recommended for the cholesterol, bones, allergies and even immunity.
Origin and conservation
The caper is a bush of evergreen leaves that constitutes a thorny and creeping bush. Therefore, it belongs to the family of caparidaceae. This means that its branches are ascending and are adorned with alternate and rounded leaves. Regarding the flowersThey are pedunculated and very fragrant. But, the most important thing is that the bud of this beautiful flower is what we know and call as caper.
That being said, you should know that these shrubs grow wild in the warmer and drier areas. And it is that, they have been able to find species of this in the Sahara desert. Although, they are currently cultivated both in United States and in Europe. And, in Spain it is very common in stony areas of Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia, Catalonia and also the Balearic Islands.
Once you know this, you have to look at the preservation of the product. Capers are small flower buds of green color that are collected and preserved in a preparation of vinegar, salt and tarragon. Although, the large, white flowers of this plant dry in a very few hours. This results in a fruit known as caper, a very fleshy and tasty berry that is also used as a condiment.
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Nutritional properties of capers
As we have already mentioned before, the capers they are a food with numerous nutritional properties. There are many advantages that they can offer to your body and can even reach take care of your health. This is so because they are capable of prevent cancer thanks to its content in flavonoids, ferulic acid and synaptic. On the other hand, they prevent cardiovascular diseases since they are antioxidants.
Even by containing Vitamin K, are able to help you keep your bones healthy and strong. Another important point is your high fiber content for which they fight constipation. In fact, a tablespoon of capers it contains approximately 3% of the recommended daily fiber intake. And last but not least, they are ideal in the slimming diets because they are made up of water with very little amount of water and carbohydrates.
Culinary uses
All the capers are ready for harvest in mid- April due to the climate from which they originate. By this time, they are the size of a grain of corn, dark green in color. Its flavor is slightly bitter y powerful, so it adds a special touch to each of the recipes where it is present. Therefore, they are pickled in a solution of vinegar and salt and can be a perfect seasoning for pizzas, smoked salmon, salads, or pasta dishes.
If these recipes do not convince you, you can give this fruit other culinary uses. Among them stands out the famous tartar sauce, of which it is an essential component. In addition, in South American countries such as Colombia or Venezuela it is common to find it in recipes such as ajiaco or the found. In Spain, the most common preparations with this product can be:
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- Pollo with capers
- Pasta salad with tofu and capers
- Fish with caper sauce
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As you have seen, this pickle is one of the most versatile of the gastronomic panorama. Its presence in multiple elaborations and, above all, its high nutritional value and beneficial health properties make it a very good option in your daily diet. Are you willing to give it a try?
