Nasturtium Capers

Nasturtiums are edible plants that provide a peppery, spicy flavor. The seeds from the plant are often used to make nasturtium capers which are much less expensive than traditional capers and provide you with the same general flavor. They can be added to a variety of recipes including pizzas, salads and pastas and have quite a kick. Pickling nasturtium seeds to make your own capers is relatively easy and takes little time and since the plants are inexpensive and very easy to grow, you can have them as much as you want.

Nasturtium Caper Recipe

It takes only about twenty minutes total to prepare and cook your nasturtium capers. It is important that you use the freshest nasturtium seeds and pick them while they are still green and firm. That being said, you will need about one full cup of seeds as well as one cup of white wine vinegar, a teaspoon of salt and just a handful of slightly crushed peppercorns for additional flavor. Simply rinse the seeds to clean them and allow them to drain on paper towels. Once drained, place the seeds in a pint-sized canning jar and add the other ingredients to the jar. Then simply seal the jar and keep it refrigerated for a few weeks to allow the flavors to mesh. This caper recipe is very easy, very inexpensive and very quickly prepared and gives you an entire pint of capers that can be used on all of your favorite recipes. You can also add various other flavorings if you want like celery seed, bay leaf or a clove of garlic for a unique blend of flavors.

Finding Nasturtium Seeds

Of course if you are planning to make nasturtium capers you will need to locate nasturtium seeds for planting. You can purchase the seeds in packets from just about any gardening center. There are also a number of websites that offer the seeds for sale. They are very inexpensive, costing only about $3 to $5 for a packet of around 20 to 25 seeds. The seeds are fairly large and should be planted at least ten inches apart. They thrive well in dry soil and direct sunlight. You can also use the leaves and flowers for a variety of recipes or simply wait until the flowers wilt to gather the seed pods for your nasturtium capers.

Maintaining Plants

Nasturtiums are considered to be annuals but a few varieties will reseed themselves. If you want a continuing supply for capers in the future, be sure that you select a variety that is perennial. There are various species available including dwarf, climbing and bushy plants and all produce seed pods that can be used to make nasturtium capers. Simply choose the plant type that you most prefer. Many choose based on the color of the blooms. They come in very beautiful and vibrant colors and hues and can provide you with lovely flowers for your garden for many months during the spring and summer before you harvest the pods.