Capers in Olive Oil

[FlavoursGal]

I discovered capers in olive oil (sold in small jars) a few years back, at Dean & De Luca in NYC. I've since replenished my supply in Italy and in Seattle. I'm starting to run low, and can't find them anywhere in Toronto. It is possible that they are not mass-produced/marketed, as they were difficult to find even in Italy, where they're bottled.

Has anyone seen them? I've tried all the usual suspects - St. Lawrence Market, Pusateri's, Harvest Wagon, Italian grocers in Toronto and Woodbridge,... - to no avail.

If you haven't tried these, they're great - much more flavourful and less acidic than the usual jarred capers, and with a crunchy, yet juicy, texture.

[Muskoka kid]

I was at the Cheese Boutique two weeks ago and they had a large variety of capers. Didn't check to see what kinds, but I'm sure they would be able to let you know!

Hope this helps your hunt.

[FlavoursGal]

Thanks, Muskoka kid. I'll check it out.

[gingerfreak]

I know you said you checked the St. Lawrence Market but I was there a few days ago and recall seeing a variety of capers in that store on the lower level (sorry I'm blanking on the name), the one that carries a range of products from italian, indian, and asian cuisines.

At any rate, f you find some, let us know, they sound good!

[FlavoursGal]

The Cheese Boutique does not have them, either.

[FlavoursGal]

I know you said you checked the St. Lawrence Market but I was there a few days ago and recall seeing a variety of capers in that store on the lower level (sorry I'm blanking on the name), the one that carries a range of products from italian, indian, and asian cuisines.

At any rate, f you find some, let us know, they sound good!

←

I just did a little google search, and found them at amazon.com. No luck at amazon.ca, though.

http://www.amazon.com/Capers-Extra-Virgin-...l/dp/B000BBCMHC

[jayt90]

I've wondered about growing a yearly supply of capers. It sounds far fetched but should be quite simple, as they are budding Nasturtium blooms, and Nasturtia are simple to grow, even on a balcony. The only question is which variety, but large seed houses such as Dominion or Stokes will have a lot of choices and guidance.

I think I just may try it this spring.

[FlavoursGal]

Sounds interesting, jayt90. But growing them and getting them to table involves some work, does it not?

Even the capers in olive oil that I am searching for appear to have been cured before bottling.

[jayt90]

Yes, there is some information about a salt cure in the Amazon ad., but that would not be too difficult. The ad mentions a caper bush, whereas I have heard that a nasturtium bud is used, and when I tasted the fresh buds last year, they were peppery and caper-like. I'll have to look into this.