Condiment/Fruit | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Caper Berries

Capparis spinosa Allergen-Free
Caper Berries

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Capparaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean, Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round (preserved)
  • Source Caper bush fruit

What Is Caper Berries?

The fruit of the caper bush, larger than caper buds, typically pickled in brine or vinegar, offering a briny, tangy, and slightly floral flavor.

What Does Caper Berries Taste Like?

Caper Berries has a briny, salty, tangy, pungent, slightly floral, mildly spicy taste with briny, pungent, acidic aromas.

Taste
Briny, Salty, Tangy, Pungent, Slightly floral, Mildly spicy
Texture
Firm, Crunchy seeds inside, Juicy flesh
Aroma
Briny, Pungent, Acidic
Acidity
High

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 15g (3-4 berries)
Calories23 kcal
Total Fat0.8 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2 g
Total Carbohydrate5 g
Dietary Fiber3 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium40 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium40 mg

Chef’s Secret

Before using, rinse caper berries thoroughly to remove excess salt and vinegar, then pat dry to control the dish's seasoning and allow their nuanced flavor to shine.

Caper Berries Substitutes & Ratios

The best substitute for Caper Berries is Green Olives (pitted, brined), used at a 1:1 ratio. Offers similar briny, salty, and tangy notes, good texture match.

Substitutes for Caper Berries with ratios
Substitute Ratio Best for
Green Olives (pitted, brined) Best 1:1 Offers similar briny, salty, and tangy notes, good texture match.
Gherkins (cornichons) 1:1 Provides a similar tart, vinegary crunch, but less briny complexity.
Large Capers (buds) 1.5x volume Closest flavor match, but much smaller and lacks the distinct texture of berries.
Pickled Artichoke Hearts (chopped) 1:1 For a similar tangy, savory, and slightly fibrous addition to salads or antipasti.

How to Choose & Store Caper Berries

  1. Look for firm, unblemished berries submerged in their brine.
  2. Refrigerate after opening.

What Pairs Well With Caper Berries?

  • Seafood
  • pasta
  • salads
  • cured meats
  • cream cheese
  • smoked salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Caper Berries taste like?

Briny, Salty, Tangy, Pungent, Slightly floral, Mildly spicy Briny, Pungent, Acidic

What is a good substitute for Caper Berries?

The best substitute is Green Olives (pitted, brined) (1:1). Offers similar briny, salty, and tangy notes, good texture match.

How do you choose and store Caper Berries?

Look for firm, unblemished berries submerged in their brine. Refrigerate after opening.

Need a substitute for Caper Berries right now, or a recipe that uses it? Ask Sous, your AI sous-chef.