What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
- Fresh capers
- White wine vinegar
- Airtight jars with lids
- Colander or strainer
- Knife
Step 1: Harvest and Prepare the Capers
Start by harvesting your capers when they are still small, around the size of a pea. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the stems down to about 1/4 inch and discard any damaged or discolored capers.
Step 2: Salt the Capers
Place the cleaned capers in a bowl and generously sprinkle them with salt. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 1 cup of capers. Mix well to ensure all the capers are coated in salt.
Step 3: Let Them Rest
Transfer the salted capers to a clean jar and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours. During this time, the salt will draw out excess moisture from the capers, intensifying their flavor.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
After 24 hours, pour your capers into a colander or strainer and thoroughly rinse them under cold running water. This will remove the excess salt. Once rinsed, allow the capers to air-dry for a couple of hours, or lightly pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.
Step 5: Vinegar Bath
Fill your jars with white wine vinegar, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. Gently pack the rinsed and dried capers into the jars, ensuring they are completely submerged in the vinegar. This will help preserve their flavor and prevent spoilage.
Step 6: The Sealing Process
Seal the jars tightly with their lids, making sure they are airtight. Store the jars in a cool, dark place like your pantry or cellar. Capers preserved in this manner can keep for up to a year, retaining their incredible taste.
Using Preserved Capers
Preserved capers can be used in a variety of dishes to add a burst of flavor. Rinse off any excess vinegar from the capers before using and add them to pasta sauces, salads, fish dishes, or as a topping for pizzas or bruschetta. The possibilities are endless!
Now that you know how to preserve capers in vinegar, you can enjoy their delicious taste all year round. So why not try it out and savor the flavor of these little culinary gems whenever you desire? Happy preserving!