№118Condiments
Fermented Caper Berries
Wild caper berries lacto-fermented in a simple garlic-peppercorn salt brine until sour, tangy, and firm.
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
Wash caper berries thoroughly. Pack caper berries, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves into sterilized glass jars.
- 2
Whisk water and coarse sea salt in a jug until salt is fully dissolved to make a 3% brine.
- 3
Pour the brine over the berries until fully submerged. Use a small weight to keep the berries underwater.
- 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
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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