Capers: Uses, Health Benefits & Safety Tips

Love that tangy, lemony pop in your pasta or salad? Those little buds are capers, a staple in Mediterranean food and a surprising source of plant compounds. This page explains what capers are made of, how people use them for flavor and health, and what to watch for if you’re on medication or watching salt.

What’s inside a caper — nutrition and benefits

Capers are the unopened flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa). They’re usually preserved in brine or salt, which adds a lot of sodium, so always check the label. Nutritionally, capers are low in calories but contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals plus flavonoids like quercetin and rutin. These flavonoids act as antioxidants in lab tests, which is why capers often come up in discussions about heart and immune support.

People use capers mainly for flavor, but some traditional uses point to digestive support and mild anti-inflammatory effects. If you like functional foods, capers add taste without calories and bring antioxidant compounds that show activity in preliminary studies. That doesn’t make them a medicine, but they’re a useful, flavorful addition to a balanced diet.

How to pick, store, and use capers — practical tips

Shopping tip: pick jarred capers in brine if you want lower sodium than the salt-packed kind. There are also reduced-sodium options and frozen capers that keep flavor without the heavy salt. For supplements, look for standardized extracts and third-party testing — avoid vague labels and sellers without clear quality info.

Use them sparingly. A teaspoon of capers brightens sauces, salads, fish, and roasted vegetables. Rinse jarred capers under cold water if a recipe calls for less salt. For storage, keep opened jars refrigerated and use within a few months for best flavor.

Safety first: capers are high in sodium. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or take diuretics or drugs that ask you to limit salt, check with your doctor before adding capers regularly. Also tell your clinician if you plan to take caper extracts as supplements — they can interact with meds or add an unexpected dose of plant compounds.

Allergies are rare but possible. If you notice itching, swelling, or breathing trouble after eating capers, stop and seek medical advice. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Play it safe and ask your healthcare provider before using caper supplements.

Bottom line: capers are a tasty, low-calorie way to boost flavor and add antioxidant plant compounds to meals. Use them thoughtfully if you watch your sodium intake or take medicines. Want recommendations on caper brands or supplements from reputable sellers? I can point you to quality choices and safety checks that match your needs.