Capers are the brined flower buds of the Capparis spinosa bush. This low growing bush is native to the Mediterranean but commonly grown in Spain, France and Italy.
Capers are frequently paired with lemon in sauces. The smallest of the buds are the nonpareil from France. The largest are referred to as caper berries and are frequently brined with the stem still attached.
Capers bushes are very pretty sprawling plants that grow best in warm climates but usually withstand temperatures as low as 15F. You can click here and read our article about growing your own caper plants from seed.
If you don't have or don't like capers you can substitute:
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