Fermented Caper Berries, a condiments dish from Tangier118

Condiments

Fermented Caper Berries

Wild caper berries lacto-fermented in a simple garlic-peppercorn salt brine until sour, tangy, and firm.

15 minutes, plus 3-4 weeks fermentingYield · One pint/475-ml jarRegion · Tangier

Ingredients

What you’ll need

  • 1 lb fresh raw caper berries (with stems)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 tbsp coarse sea salt

Method

How it comes together

  1. 1

    Wash caper berries thoroughly. Pack caper berries, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves into sterilized glass jars.

  2. 2

    Whisk water and coarse sea salt in a jug until salt is fully dissolved to make a 3% brine.

  3. 3

    Pour the brine over the berries until fully submerged. Use a small weight to keep the berries underwater.

  4. 4

    Seal the jar loosely to allow fermentation gases to escape. Let ferment at room temperature (approx. 70°F / 21°C) for 3 to 4 weeks.

  5. 5

    Once sour and tangy, seal tightly and store in the fridge.

Safety note

Use cultivated berries from a food supplier, not unidentified wild buds or fruit. Commercial brined caper berries are the safer substitute.

Chef’s note

Fermented caper berries have a firm, crunchy texture with tiny seeds inside; they are a classic accompaniment to fish and mezze.

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