The Complete Guide to Caper Sizes: Lilliput, Non-pareille, Surfine & More

Not all capers are the same — and in the world of Mediterranean cuisine, size truly matters.Each variety, from the tiny Lilliput to the bold Horse Capers, offers a distinct flavor intensity and texture.At BestCapers by Tuna Sourcing, we source, sort, and export all major caper sizes, ensuring every chef, brand, and distributor finds the perfect match for their recipe or product line.

Why Caper Size Is Important

Caper size determines not only flavor intensity but also texture, brining time, and culinary suitability.Smaller buds concentrate more mustard oils and aroma, creating a sharper and more delicate taste.Larger capers, on the other hand, mature longer on the bush, developing a milder, meatier texture ideal for sauces, meats, and tapenades.

Understanding caper calibration helps food professionals achieve consistent results in both industrial and gourmet applications.

The Official Caper Size Classification

Capers are typically classified by diameter (in millimeters) according to international trade standards.Each category offers unique qualities that determine how it’s used in cooking or food production.

Caper Type	Size (mm)	Flavor Profile	Common Uses
Lilliput	3–5 mm	Sharp, vibrant, floral	Premium sauces, garnishes, haute cuisine
Non-pareille	5–7 mm	Balanced, tangy, aromatic	Pasta, seafood, salads
Surfine	7–8 mm	Robust, slightly crunchy	Sauces, meat dishes
Capucine	8–9 mm	Round flavor, moderate salt	Tapenades, dressings
Capote	9–11 mm	Meaty, bold, deep flavor	Stews, grilled meats
Fine	11–12 mm	Full-bodied, firm texture	Pizzas, marinades
Horse	12+ mm	Strong, intense, earthy	Gourmet garnishes, spreads
Caperberries	Fruit of caper bush	Mild, juicy, pickled	Charcuterie, appetizers

How Size Affects Taste and Use

1. Lilliput & Non-pareille – The Essence of Refinement

The smallest capers are prized by chefs for their bright, floral aroma and balanced acidity.They melt easily into sauces and vinaigrettes, creating subtle layers of complexity without overpowering other flavors.

2. Surfine & Capucine – The Culinary All-Rounders

Slightly larger and crunchier, these capers are versatile for both hot and cold dishes.They retain shape during cooking and pair beautifully with Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme.

3. Capote, Fine & Horse – Bold and Textural

As capers grow, their texture becomes more pronounced.These sizes bring a briny, olive-like depth, making them ideal for rich stews, marinades, or antipasti platters.

Sorting and Calibration: The BestCapers Standard

At BestCapers by Tuna Sourcing, every batch undergoes a precision sorting process to ensure size uniformity.We use a combination of mechanical calibration and manual inspection to achieve perfect consistency across bulk and retail formats.

Each product is:

• Visually sorted by experienced staff

• Measured with calibrated sieves (3–12+ mm)

• Cured in salt or brine according to size (smaller capers ferment faster)

• Packed in size-specific containers for reliable use in production

This precision guarantees that our clients receive homogeneous lots, minimizing recipe variation and optimizing product stability.

Culinary Pairing by Caper Size

To help you choose the right type for your kitchen or brand:

• Lilliput / Non-pareille: Use for gourmet sauces, tartar, and premium salad dressings.

• Surfine / Capucine: Ideal for general foodservice and jarred capers in brine.

• Capote / Fine: Best for deli counters, antipasto trays, or catering-size jars.

• Horse: Use sparingly as a decorative or intense flavor accent.

• Caperberries: Great for mix platters, cocktails, and retail gourmet packaging.

Behind the Label: Transparent Quality

Our clients receive complete traceability for each caper type, including:

• Origin and harvest lot code

• Moisture and salt content analysis

• Packaging and calibration certificates

• Export documentation (COA, Phytosanitary, Origin Certificates)

Every caper size reflects our dedication to Mediterranean authenticity and professional precision.

A Perfect Fit for Every Market

Whether you produce gourmet jars for retail or bulk drums for industrial use, BestCapers guarantees consistent calibration, natural curing, and flexible supply.Our multi-origin network ensures availability of every size — year-round, from Turkey, Morocco, and Southern Europe.

Capers may be small, but the difference between sizes makes a world of flavor.