Capers: useful properties and use in cooking

Many different products are used in cooking. One of the amazing additives are capers. They are flower buds and are widely used in Western Europe. Today they are gaining popularity in Russia as well.

What are capers and what do they look like?

Capers are flower buds. They are distinguished by their olive color and small size, are used as an additive to a dish and are not the main product.

They became famous in ancient Greece. The product was used by people as an aperitif. Capers have a slightly spicy, spicy and tart taste. Most of all they resemble mustard in taste and aroma. This similarity is due to the fact that they contain a sufficient amount of mustard oil.

Capers are used in Mediterranean countries as a remedy for headaches, joint pain, nodular goiter, spleen and liver diseases. Thus, capers are also widely used for medicinal purposes.

How they differ from olives

In their appearance, capers are very similar to olives. But they are quite different products. Olives are called unripe fruits growing on the olive tree. In the stores you can find them in canned form. Olives are greenish in color, and they taste a bitter-spicy. They are used as an appetizer or seasoning for salads and soups.

Capers are the unripened flowers of a shrub that grows mainly in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Crimea. They are consumed only in pickled form as an additive to salads and various dishes.

Composition and calories

Capers today are gaining popularity and in Russia. This is due to the fact that they contain many micronutrients, and they can provide invaluable benefits to the body.

In the composition of capers are present:

1. Choline. Known for its properties in restoring the liver. It helps to slow the process of weight gain in case of improper nutrition, is a prevention of the development of urolithiasis. In addition, without choline, vitamin A is not absorbed well enough.
2. Calcium and phosphorus. These two trace elements play an important role in the body - they are involved in the construction of bone tissue. With their insufficiency increases the risk of pathological fractures. In addition, phosphorus is necessary for energy transfer, and calcium regulates the contraction of muscle tissue.
3. Iron. The substance is involved in the process of hematopoiesis. When it is lacking, anemia occurs.
4. Potassium. Participates in the proper functioning of the myocardium.
5. Iodine. A micronutrient needed for the thyroid gland. Its deficiency leads to organ malfunction and the emergence of rather dangerous diseases of the endocrine system.
6. Sodium. Necessary to maintain a normal water-salt balance. Also necessary for the normal production of adrenaline in sufficient quantity.
7. Vitamin C. Necessary for maintaining immunity and takes an active part in the oxidative as well as reductive processes occurring in the body.
8. Vitamin A. Antioxidant that is not only necessary for vision, but also helps to improve the condition of the skin and slow down age-related changes.
9. B vitamins. This is a fairly large group, which includes several vitamins. All of them take part in all the processes of the body. They are necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system, to protect the body from stress.

Capers also contain zinc, selenium, vitamins PP, E, K, copper and manganese. Such a composition allows you to use capers not only for culinary purposes. Since ancient times, they have been widely used for medical purposes to treat a number of diseases, relieve pain, inflammation and improve the overall condition. Among other things, capers can also be used as an additive to dishes when following a diet for weight loss. The caloric value of the product is 23 kcal per 100 grams.

What are the benefits of capers

General benefits

They have gained popularity in Western European countries, as they bring invaluable benefits to the body and have an effect on many systems. Useful properties of capers:

1. Normalization of blood sugar. Their composition includes fiber. Thanks to its presence, the process of glucose assimilation slows down. Thus, throughout the day, normal blood sugar levels are maintained. Studies have shown that capers have anti-diabetic properties and help to reduce glucose in the presence of diabetes. Thus, the consumption of capers can reduce glucose even in other foods.
2. Maintenance of blood clotting. The product contains vitamin K, which takes part in the process of blood clotting. It also helps to prevent bleeding, activate the regeneration process of soft tissues and accelerate the healing of small wounds and cuts.
3. Reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a response of the body's defenses to a number of factors. Consumption of capers helps to slow the development of cancer, diabetes and diseases of the heart system. Thanks to their properties, capers can reduce inflammation. Their composition includes antioxidants, which contributes to the elimination of inflammation.
4. Strengthening of bone tissue. Capers contain calcium and magnesium, which are the basis of bones. Magnesium supports the proper functioning of muscle tissue, preventing the appearance of cramps.
5. Maintaining the work of the liver. Capers contain vitamins and trace elements that take part in the work of the liver, protecting it from the negative effects of a number of factors. In addition, thanks to the presence of antioxidants, harmful substances are removed from the body, which significantly reduces the load on the organ.
6. Strengthening the vascular walls. Thanks to the ingredients capers help to maintain the tone of blood vessels, and calcium helps to strengthen their walls.
7. Providing an analgesic effect. In folk medicine, capers are used as an analgesic and help relieve pain localized in the back area.
8. Prevent the formation of blood clots. They are formed as a result of excessive consumption of food containing cholesterol in large quantities. It settles on the walls of blood vessels and clogs them. In the background of this process, blood circulation deteriorates, which leads to a stroke.
9. It has a positive effect on the work of the kidneys. Capers are used by folk healers as a means to support kidney function. They also prevent the appearance of stones.
10. Help in the absorption of iodine. This trace element is necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland. Its insufficiency leads to malfunction of the organ, which leads to a number of diseases of the endocrine system.
11. Support the work of the nervous system. Capers contain substances that are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, capers help to reduce stress and serve as a prevention of the occurrence of depressive states.

Thus, capers, if used correctly, will help support the work of many organs and systems, will have a positive effect on the overall condition of the body.

For women

The product contains vitamin A, which helps to strengthen the nails, hair and improve the skin. The use of capers helps women to maintain youthfulness and slow down the aging process for a long time.

For men

It is important for men to maintain the health of the heart system, musculoskeletal system and muscle tissue. Regular use of capers will help in this. Their composition includes special substances that have a positive effect on these systems.

When pregnant

Pregnant women can use capers, but in small quantities. They contain a sufficient amount of calcium, which is the building material of bone tissue. The trace element is necessary in this period for the woman and the fetus in large quantities. Also the product will help to support the immune system, which is quite important during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding also requires not only compliance with a certain diet, but also a constant replenishment of micronutrients and vitamins. Thanks to its composition capers will help to restore the level of all necessary substances, have a positive effect on the body.

But eat capers while breastfeeding should be careful. The fact is that their use can cause allergies in the baby. Introduce them to the diet should be with caution.

For children

Not all children like capers. But they will allow them to strengthen the immune system, support the work of the brain. That is why they can and should be introduced into the child's diet, but starting from the age of three.

Capers in rare cases can cause an allergic reaction. Give them to children with a small portion as part of other dishes. If there are no negative symptoms, such as rash, redness or itching, the portion can be increased. But in cases where after the use of capers in a child manifested allergies, from the use of them should be abandoned for some time.

Among other things, capers contain large amounts of calcium and phosphorus. These trace elements are necessary for children to strengthen bone and muscle tissue. Thus, the product will bring invaluable benefits for the growing body.

For weight loss

When following a diet aimed at losing weight, the use of capers will not hurt. They do not contain many calories. Also in their composition there is a trace element that promotes the breakdown of fat cells. Thanks to it under the skin does not form a layer of fat.

Cooking applications

Capers received a fairly wide application in cooking. They are used as an additive to various dishes. They give them a unique flavor and aroma. Capers are used today in almost all cuisines of the world, but most commonly in Mediterranean cuisine.

Often the unopened buds of the shrub are used in various sauces, such as tartar and tomato, and added to pizza. Capers are great with fish and vegetable dishes and veal. Here are a few of the most popular recipes that use capers.

Tomato soup

It can be eaten without fear and when losing weight, using lean meat. To prepare it, you will need the following products:

• meat for the broth;
• Two onions;
• 300 grams of capers;
• 80 grams of tomato paste;
• 100 g of sour cream;
• one third of a lemon;
• two potatoes;
• salt to taste.

First of all, cook the broth. To do this, boil the meat until tender in 1.5 liters of water. Shred the onions and fry them in oil until golden brown. When the broth is ready, add onions, tomato paste and pre-cut and peeled potatoes. Cook everything until tender, then add the capers and leave to simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve the soup with sour cream, a slice of lemon. You can add some greens. The soup turns out quite tasty, flavorful and quite healthy for the body.

Mediterranean style pasta

Such pasta would make a great dinner or lunch for the whole family. To cook it, you will need the following products:

• 350 g of spaghetti;
• A handful of capers;
• 300 gr tomatoes;
• Half a can of olives;
• garlic clove;
• oregano;
• vegetable oil.

Peel the garlic, finely chop and pass in vegetable oil. With tomatoes remove the skin. To do this, put boiling water on them. Then chop them and add to the garlic. Pour a glass of water over it. Then put it on stove for 10 minutes, then add capers and olives. After 10 minutes add oregano, cover and remove from heat. Boil the spaghetti in salted water. Drain and add the spaghetti to the pan. Stir everything in. Serve the dish with herbs and a little cheese.

Pizza

This dish is loved by many in Russia. Pizza helps to get full quickly and is great for a quick snack. But it is not always healthy. Make the dish less caloric and more healthy will help to use capers. To prepare it, you will need the following components:

• ready-made pizza crust;
• tomatoes - 2 pieces;
• onion;
• sausage - 400 grams;
• ketchup;
• mayonnaise;
• capers - 300 gr;
• Cheese - 300 gr.

The pizza crusts can be purchased ready-made. They are sold both frozen and chilled. In a package there are usually three pieces. Defrost the pizza crusts if necessary. Place on a baking tray and brush with mayonnaise and ketchup. On top place finely chopped onions, tomatoes and sausage. Also put a small amount of capers. Sprinkle everything with cheese and put it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. It should be preheated to 180 degrees. You can use any kind of sausage or replace it with boiled or smoked chicken. You can also add a small amount of sauteed mushrooms.

What you can replace it with

Capers can not always be found on the shelves in stores, as they are not common enough in Russia. If necessary, they can be replaced by olives. These products are similar in taste.

In some cases, pickled green tomatoes can be used instead of capers.

Hazards and contraindications

Despite all the benefits, capers can not always be eaten. In some cases, they can cause harm to the body.

First of all, they should not be eaten with diseases of the urinary system in the acute stage. This is due to the fact that pickled capers contain a large amount of salt. It retains water in the body and provokes tissue edema. It stresses the urinary system.

Also, pickled capers should be eaten with great caution during pregnancy, because their excessive use can cause swelling, which is a dangerous condition for the baby.

Unopened buds are not recommended to people who suffer from blood pressure fluctuations. The reason is that they contain substances that reduce blood pressure, which leads to a deterioration of the state of health.

Contraindications to the use of capers are peptic ulcer, gastritis or hyperacidity. Also the product is not recommended for use in the presence of diseases of the digestive system and flatulence or a tendency to it.

How to choose and store

You can buy capers today in almost any chain supermarket. They are packaged in small glass jars. Here are a few recommendations for choosing a quality product:

1. Before buying, check the integrity of the jar. The lid should also fit tightly.
2. Pay attention to the expiration date. It should not expire in the very near future.
3. Capers can have different sizes. It depends on the variety, but on the taste does not affect. It is better to choose based on your own preferences.
4. It is better to refuse to buy quite large capers. The thing is that the capers are often passed off as nasturtiums. You can distinguish them only by their size.
5. In salted capers brine should have a white color, but not yellow. It is better to refuse to buy such a product.

Keep capers in a tightly closed package for a year. But an open jar can be left in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. This is the only way to preserve the freshness of the product.

You should not consume capers if their shelf life is out. This can harm the body and cause poisoning.

How to cook capers from nasturtium seeds

Nasturtium is a plant characterized by bright inflorescences and branching stems. The flower can be found today in almost any garden plot, as it is beloved by many gardeners.

Nasturtium seeds can be used instead of capers as they have a similar taste, aroma, appearance and smell. They are also pickled or salted before use.

When capers are not available, they can be replaced with pickled nasturtium seeds. The product will not differ in taste. There are several recipes:

Recipe No. 1

The following components will be required:

• Nasturtium seeds - 300 g;
• granulated sugar - 50 gr;
• salt - 2 teaspoons;
• A liter of water;
• 6% vinegar - 1 tablespoon.

Also need pepper and bay leaf to taste.

To begin, prepare the marinade. To do this, pour water into a saucepan, bring it to a boil and add sugar and salt. Then add the bay leaf, pepper and vinegar. All should boil for 5 minutes. Put the nasturtium seeds in the still boiling marinade, let it boil and remove from the heat. After cooling, pour everything into jars, close the lids. Jars put in a cold place for 3 weeks. So seeds marinade completely.

Recipe number 2

This recipe is used if you want to pickle green seeds. For this you will need the following components:

• 200 grams of nasturtium;
• A teaspoon of salt;
• 6% vinegar.

Put the seeds in a saucepan and cover with salt. All leave for one day to soak. During this time, the seeds should be stirred regularly. After 24 hours, put everything in jars and pour the vinegar. Close the lids and put away for 21 days. After this time, drain the vinegar, and instead pour the marinade. To prepare it, boil 1 liter of water, add sugar and salt, pepper, bay leaf and a small amount of vinegar. You can also use brushes of red currants instead of vinegar.

Recipe #3

This is a fairly simple recipe that will get pickled nasturtium seeds that are not yet ripe. First you need to make a marinade. To do this, pour 0.5 liters of water into a saucepan, bring it to a boil. Then add a tablespoon each of sugar and salt, 25 ml of wine vinegar. Pour the nasturtium fruits into glass jars and pour the prepared solution. Everything should marinate for 3 weeks.

Can I eat capers just like that?

Capers should be eaten only in salted or pickled form. Do not consume them raw. In their raw form they are used only in pharmacies in order to obtain an extract for the preparation of medicines.

Capers are used in cooking only pickled or salted. They are excellent for cooking soups, salads, pizza and second courses. Pickled capers are recommended to be rinsed in running water before eating. This will help to remove excess salt. After such a procedure, the product can be consumed in small quantities and in case of urolithiasis.

For cold appetizers and salads it is best to use capers of medium and large size. They play more of a role of decoration. Small seeds are more suitable for cooking hot dishes.

But it is important to remember that they lose their flavor qualities when exposed to high temperatures. That is why they are added to the dish 5 minutes before it is fully cooked.

At the beginning of cooking they can be added only in a stew or soup. Capers in this case give their flavor to other ingredients, while completely losing their flavor.

Interesting facts about capers

Unopened bush buds are not so popular in Russia, but they are widely used in the cuisine of Central Asia, Central European countries.

Here are some interesting facts about capers that few people know:

1. Capers were originally part of the well-known salad Olivier. Today, salted cucumbers are used instead, as they are more available and in terms of their taste are a bit like capers.
2. The unopened buds of the shrub contain a large amount of sodium. To reduce its level, capers should be soaked for some time in water. You can also use olive oil for this purpose.
3. Not only the buds of the shrub are useful, but also its leaves and roots. Many years ago they were used to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system and thyroid pathologies. They were used to make medicinal tinctures and decoctions.
4. Capers contain a sufficient amount of fiber, fat and protein, which is invaluable for the body and saturates it with these substances. Especially useful is fiber. It contributes to the digestive process, supporting the work of the organs of the system.
5. The unopened buds of the shrub contain quercetin. This substance is an excellent cancer preventive because it prevents the development of cancer cells. In addition, it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

Capers is a unique product. It is excellent as an additive to various dishes and has a positive effect on the body.

The unopened buds of the prickly shrub, if used correctly, will bring invaluable benefits to the body. They contain a huge number of trace elements and vitamins, which are necessary for the normal, proper functioning of all systems and organs.

It is important not to abuse capers, especially in the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, urolithiasis and during pregnancy, as this can harm the body.

Photo of capers