The caper, also referred to as Capparis Spinosa, grows on spiny perennials highlighted by sizable white and pink flowers.  Capers are officially classified as buds.  Though there are other parts of capers that grow on perennial bushes, the bud is the component most commonly used for culinary purposes.  Take a look at the ingredients listed on the top Italian dishes and sauces and you are sure to find capers listed for good reason: these diminutive buds pack a powerful punch of flavor.

The Origins of the Caper
Capers grow along walls and rocks throughout the Mediterranean region.  Most capers are either pickled or salted prior to consumption.  These small buds are commonly used as seasonings as well as garnishes in a wide variety of Italian dishes.  It is believed capers originated in especially dry parts of central and western Asia.  In fact, the Sumerian clay tablets mention capers in Gilgamesh’s writings.  Historians insist the ancient Greeks used capers for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. 

Capers in Italian Dishes
Caper flavor increases when its mustard oil is emitted from its buds.  This enzyme reaction spurs rutin that manifests in the form of crystallized white marks along the exterior of caper buds.  Capers are used in all sorts of pasta dishes, seafood/meat entrees, pizzas, and myriad other Italian dishes.  Capers are also used in tartar sauce, sometimes served with cured or cold-smoked salmon.  

It is particularly interesting to note restaurants as well as residents in southern Italy preserve capers in salt instead of brining them.  Head to Sicily and you will find capers are an important ingredient in the summer side dish known as Caponata.  This side dish features slow-cooked eggplant along with capers and other spices.  Take a trip to Naples and you will find capers are a key ingredient in Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca.  The capers in this dish are combined with anchovies, olives, and tomatoes. 

The Creative Uses of Capers
Capers are used beyond traditional entrees and the occasional eggplant side dish.  These flavorful buds are also used in tapenades, pestos, and salads.  In fact, some Italians add capers to crostinis.  Especially adventurous culinary creators will serve up capers with mixed berries combined with pickled and brined veggies for quite the daring antipasti platter. 

The extent to which capers are used in culinary creations ultimately hinges on the chef’s creativity and willingness to take chances.  Order a dish featuring capers and your taste buds are sure to be satisfied.

When it comes to olive oil, the generic brand available at the local store simply will not suffice.  True Italians know there are hundreds of varieties of olives used to make the many different olive oils.  The olive oil used in a particular meal largely hinges on the specific appetizers and entrée served.  Tasty olive oil is slightly pungent and bitter yet does not overwhelm the palate.

The fresh olives’ fruitiness should emerge along with subtle pepper flavor.  In combination, these elements should form a well-balanced flavor with a lovely aroma and lasting taste.

No two Olive Oils are Exactly the Same
Some olive oils have a clean and crisp mouthfeel while others are comparably sweet and smooth.  When the words “light” or “extra light” are used to refer to olive oil, they describe taste strength as opposed to the number of calories.

Filtered and Unfiltered Oil
Unfiltered olive oil that has a rustic look and small amounts of skin/pulp might look quite tasty and authentic yet this is not always the case.  Excessive filtration or filtration performed incorrectly has the potential to affect aroma and flavor yet filtration is generally viewed as a positive as it prolongs shelf life.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is made in a mechanical manner without chemicals.  This is the highest grade available to it is not processed as much as other varieties.  This comparably high quality of extra virgin olive oil creates a litany of health benefits.

Olive Pomace Oil
Olive pomace oil is the oil extracted with the use of solvents stemming from the olive pulp after it is crushed.  Olive pomace oil has more of a neutral and bland taste with an elevated smoke point, making it perfect for meats and other foods that are deep-fried.

Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil is not the highest quality, sometimes providing a sensory defect.  Give virgin olive oil a try and you might find it tastes slightly similar to mushrooms.  Some virgin olive oil tastes like vinegar.

Regular Olive Oil
Refined or pure olive oil, typically referred to as regular olive oil, is virgin oil put through a refining process either with chemicals or charcoal.  However, solvents are not used to create refined/pure olive oil.  In some instances, refined or pure olive oil is combined with virgin olive oil for improved taste.

When you think of Italy, you probably think of its delicious food. But did you know there are many other traditions that make Italy the iconic place it is? Check out these time-honored Italian traditions so special you just might adopt them for your own life!

1. Family

For Italians, family is the most important part of life. Italians are extremely close with not just their immediate family but their extended family as well. Italians spend most of their time with their families. Even as children grow, they are taught to stay close to their families—and, as they have their own children, to bring them into the larger family network. Sharing both joys and sorrows with family members is a staple of Italian culture.

2. Music

Italians absolutely love music. They listen to music on holidays and at all family celebrations and special occasions. Italians especially love opera singing! Opera has its roots in Italy. Many famous operas—including “Aida,” “La Traviata” and “Pagliacci”—were written in Italian and are still performed in Italian today.

3. Religion

Most Italians are Roman Catholic. This isn’t so surprising considering that Vatican City—in Rome, Italy—is the heart of Catholicism. In fact, Roman Catholics make up 90 percent of the population in Italy! Italians go to church regularly, where they pray and share their traditions.

4. Holidays and celebrations

Italians embrace any reason to get together with family. They celebrate most Christian holidays, including Christmas and Easter. The Monday after Easter is usually celebrated with family picnics to mark spring’s arrival. Italians also observe Saints Day on November 1, when they decorate deceased family members’ graves with flowers.

Weddings also call for big celebrations in Italian culture. Italians have a church ceremony followed by a reception, where they rent a hall, play music, dance, eat special pastries and drink wine.

Baptisms are also a reason for celebration in Italy. All family members attend christenings as well as the receptions that follow.

Funerals in Italy are particularly moving. Candles are lit as all family members participate in the wake. A church mass is followed by family members accompanying their deceased loved one to their final resting place.

5. Architecture and art

In Italy, you’ll see some of the most famous architecture in the world, such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Italy is also home to the famous painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, done by Michelangelo. In Italy, you’ll also find many world-renowned fashion powerhouses, including Armani, Gucci, Benetton, Versace and Prada.

Learn anything new about Italian culture and traditions? These are just a few of the many things to love about Italy. Want to make some of these traditions your own? Imitation is the highest form of flattery!