Capers are the unopened flower buds of the Capparis spinosa plant, native to the Mediterranean. These small, green buds are harvested before blooming and preserved, typically through brining or salt-curing. Valued for their distinctive piquant flavor, capers are a staple in Mediterranean dishes like pasta sauces and seafood. Understanding their condition and signs of spoilage is important for food safety.
What Healthy Capers Look Like
Healthy capers are small, firm, olive-green to grayish-green buds. Their texture is firm yet tender, offering slight resistance when pressed. They are submerged in a clear or slightly cloudy brining liquid, which may consist of water, salt, and sometimes vinegar.
The aroma of healthy capers is distinctive, characterized by a pungent, salty, and tangy scent, often with a subtle lemony note. This combination of appearance, texture, and smell forms the baseline for identifying good capers. Any deviation from these characteristics can indicate spoilage.
Signs of Mold on Capers
Mold on capers indicates the product is no longer safe to consume. It appears as distinct spots, patches, or fuzzy growth, commonly white, green, or black. The mold’s texture can range from fuzzy or cotton-like to slimy, depending on its type and stage.
Mold typically appears on the capers, inside the jar, or as a film on the brining liquid. Any visible mold signifies spoilage, and the entire jar should be discarded immediately. While some white specks might be crystallized rutin, a natural compound, any fuzzy or discolored growth is problematic.
Other Indicators of Spoilage
Beyond mold, other indicators signal spoilage. The brining liquid can show deterioration, such as excessive cloudiness, unusual discoloration, or a thick, syrupy consistency. These changes suggest microbial activity that compromises the product’s quality and safety.
Changes in the capers’ texture are also telltale signs. Healthy capers are firm, but spoiled ones may become mushy, overly soft, or disintegrate. An unpleasant odor (sour, rancid, putrid, or yeast-like) also indicates spoilage, differing from their usual briny aroma. A bulging lid on an unopened jar, or the absence of a “pop” sound when opening, can also suggest spoilage from bacterial growth.
Preventing Spoilage
Proper storage prevents mold and spoilage in capers. After opening, capers should always be kept submerged in their brining liquid. This acidic and salty environment inhibits the growth of undesirable microorganisms.
Ensuring the lid is tightly sealed after each use minimizes exposure to air and contaminants. Opened jars should be stored in the refrigerator, as cooler temperatures slow spoilage. When stored correctly, brined capers can maintain quality for up to a year after opening.