Wild One Cyprus

Wild One Cyprus

foraging food

caper

καππαριά

Gebre

Scientific Name: Capparis spinosa

other names: kebere

AVAILABLE: JAN-SEP

EDIBLE PARTS:

Description

  • a salt tolerant tough plant that can grow in poor soil, from brickwork and cracks in concrete
  • a thorny shrub with grey-green orbicular circular leaves
  • edible young shoots appear in March
  • edible flower buds appear in May
  • edible small gherkin-like fruit appear in June to September

preparation

  1. pick tender stems
  2. 3-4 days submerged in water with daily water changes to remove bitterness
  3. remove woody thorns to reveal soft edible thorn on stem
  4. air dry plants in shade
  5. preserve in sterile jars with red/white wine vinegar

extra info

White dots on leaves, flower buds and fruit is caused by an enzymatic reaction that leads to the crystallization of rutin. Rutin is a citrus flavoured pigment found in the plant which reacts with the brine or vinegar to form the white dots. 

Also available in

December

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