From Bud to Brine: How Capers Are Grown, Harvested, and Preserved

The journey of a caper begins long before it reaches your plate — deep in the rocky soils and coastal hills of the Mediterranean.These small but powerful buds undergo a fascinating transformation, from fragile blossoms to one of the world’s most flavorful ingredients.At BestCapers by Tuna Sourcing, we preserve this story through ethical farming, careful harvesting, and centuries-old brining traditions.

The Origin of the Caper Bush

The Capparis spinosa, or caper bush, grows wild in Mediterranean regions such as Turkey, Greece, and North Africa.It thrives in poor, well-drained soils, enduring harsh sun and limited water — conditions that intensify the essential oils and aromatic compounds inside each bud.

The plant’s resilience mirrors Mediterranean life itself: resourceful, enduring, and vibrant.Each year, as spring turns to summer, thousands of small green buds begin to appear on the caper bush — these will soon become one of the most valued culinary ingredients on earth.

The Art of Hand Harvesting

Caper picking is an art form.The buds must be hand-harvested at dawn, when temperatures are cool and the flower hasn’t yet opened.Timing is everything — too early, and the flavor is underdeveloped; too late, and the buds bloom, losing their distinct sharpness.

Skilled farmers visit each bush every few days throughout the season to collect only the perfect buds.At BestCapers, this traditional method ensures quality, consistency, and respect for the plant’s natural rhythm.

From Fresh Buds to Brined Perfection

Fresh capers are not ready to eat immediately — in fact, they taste bitter straight from the bush.Their transformation into a flavorful ingredient happens through fermentation and brining, a process that unlocks the complex flavor molecules capers are known for.

Step 1 – Sorting and Grading

Once collected, the buds are sorted by size into categories like Lilliput, Non-pareille, Surfine, Capucine, and Capote.This careful calibration is the foundation of quality control.

Step 2 – Salting or Brining

The sorted buds are then layered with sea salt or submerged in natural brine.Over several weeks, the salt draws out moisture and bitterness, allowing enzymes to trigger natural fermentation.This biochemical process develops the unique tangy, lemony, and floral taste of true Mediterranean capers.

Step 3 – Maturation and Packing

Once fully cured, the capers are rinsed, re-brined, and packed into export-grade drums or jars.The best producers — like BestCapers — ensure that each batch reaches its optimal flavor point before sealing for distribution.

The Science Behind the Flavor

Fermentation is what gives capers their signature identity.During this slow process, glucosinolates and mustard oils develop, creating the sharp yet aromatic flavor that complements everything from seafood to pasta.The result is a natural flavor enhancer that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean diet — clean, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Preserving Nature, Respecting Tradition

Modern technology has refined the production process, but the philosophy remains unchanged:respect the plant, the soil, and the time it takes to mature.

At BestCapers by Tuna Sourcing, we work with regional cooperatives that use:

• Sustainable farming practices

• Water-conscious irrigation

• Low-sodium brining methods

• Ethical labor and fair trade principles

This ensures every jar and drum of capers reflects both the taste and integrity of the Mediterranean.

From the Fields to the World

After weeks of curing and months of care, each caper finally embarks on its journey — from small family farms to restaurants and manufacturers around the globe.It’s a story of patience, craftsmanship, and connection between nature and flavor.

Every shipment from BestCapers carries that story forward — a promise of authenticity in every bite.