A little bit of History

The plant of the capers grow spontaneously in dry sunny climate such as the southern part of the Mediterranean Sea area. The Island of Pantelleria is famous for it's cultivation of the capers and they export all over the world. Capers are even mentioned in the Bible, Ecclesiastes XII 5, where it refers to the aphrodisiac virtues of the plant. In the 500', Domenico Romoli nicknamed "Panunto" in his book "The singular culinary Doctrine" states: "....those who eat capers will not have pain in spleen, not in liver... capers are opposed to melancholy and cause urination..." The same author does not fail to mention the alleged aphrodisiac virtues.

Origin of the name and mythology

From the Greek Island of Kypros (Cyprus) where the capers grow abundantly. The botanic name is Capparis Spinosa.

Health benefits

The health benefits are: antispasmodic, aperitif, cleansing, diuretic, tonic.
The fresh capers, preserved in vinegar contain a substance that restores the walls of the capillaries.

Info and Curiosity

It is a curious way to plant capers in Pantelleria, they shoot the seeds of capers with a blowgun between the cracks of a wall or between tiles on a roof well exposed.

Cooking Tips

When using capers always wash and drain them well to take away all the salt.