Green peppercorns and capers are often used interchangeably in many recipes, but are these two foods really that much alike?
The truth is that green peppercorns and capers are indeed quite alike, which is why they can be substitutes for each other in many recipes. That being said, green peppercorns and capers come from different plants. While all peppercorns come from the Piper nigrum plant, capers come from a completely different plant. Even though they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they are two distinct foods.
The Main Differences Between Green Peppercorns and Capers
Green, black, and white peppercorns all come from the same plant, but the green ones are harvested before they ripen. They can be freeze- or air-dried but are usually preserved in a brine. These peppercorns are milder than the black ones but still have a piney flavor and a slight bitterness. They are usually a little salty as well. On the other hand, the caper flavor is very bitter when fresh, but gets tastier when brined or pickled. Unlike peppercorns, which are technically fruit, capers are unopened flower buds from the Capparis spinosa plant.
Capers can also become tangy and lemony when they take on the flavor of a brine. They are preserved in a similar manner as green peppercorns, so the two are fairly alike in both flavor and texture. The main difference is that capers are salty or tangy but never peppery like peppercorns are. Peppercorns tend to have a rather spicy taste, unlike capers. Keep in mind that both of these foods will take on the flavor of the mixture they’re preserved in, which is why they taste so much alike.
Capers and green peppercorns are also similar in appearance and texture, in that they are both soft with a slight crunch. They are roughly the same in color and size, so when you cook them, most people won’t be able to tell which one you’re using. Nevertheless, some people claim they can taste a distinct difference between the two foods, even though most people claim the opposite.
What To Use for What Dish
While capers are a smart peppercorn substitute, there are still dishes that taste better with one rather than the other:
Capers
You can use capers for dishes such as remoulade sauce, salads, smoked salmon, tartar sauce, or even spaghetti alla puttanesca, among others.
Green Peppercorns
Use green peppercorns if you need to make a pâté or cream sauce for steak. You can also add them to stir fry and Thai curry.
Of course, since everyone’s taste buds are different, it’s a good idea to experiment with your recipes to determine which one tastes best in what dish. Remember, these preferences are subjective, so it’s up to you to decide whether to use capers or green peppercorn in your dishes.