Do you have to refrigerate capers?

Table of Contents:

1. Do you have to refrigerate capers?
2. Where do capers come from?
3. When can I pick capers?
4. How big do capers get?
5. Are Capers naturally salty?

Do you have to refrigerate capers?

You can help capers stay fresh longer by storing them unopened in the pantry where the temperature is always less than 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once opened, the capers should be kept in the fridge. Be sure to keep the capers submerged in their liquid (brine).

Where do capers come from?

Most people in the world of capers will tell you the very best capers come from a small island called Pantelleria that is off the coast of Sicily, Italy. It's really part of Sicily, but geographically it's between Sicily and Africa. It's actually a little closer to Tunisia than it is to the main part of Sicily.

When can I pick capers?

Harvesting caper buds: you need to pick them when the bud is still nice and tight, which means early in the morning is the best time before the bud starts to unfurl in the heat of the day. The caper bush should continue to make new buds right through the warmer months.

How big do capers get?

Mature caper bushes can grow three feet high and spread four or five feet. They require dry heat and intense sunlight to flourish.

Are Capers naturally salty?

They're a little sweet, a lot salty, and packed with flavor. But what are capers, anyways? ... Capers are extremely bitter when eaten right off the bush, so way back when, some genius decided to pickle them. And we're glad they did, because that salty brine, and a bit of time, mellows that bitterness right out.