Can capers in brine be frozen?

Capers are a popular ingredient used in many Mediterranean and Italian dishes. They add a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with fish, meat, and vegetables. Capers grow on bushes and are harvested when the buds are still closed and green. They are then cured in a salt brine, vinegar brine, or a combination of the two. This curing process is what gives capers their unique flavor. Capers packed in brine are the most common form found in grocery stores.

Can You Freeze Capers in Brine?

Yes, it is possible to freeze capers that are packed in brine. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of capers so you can enjoy their flavor for longer. When frozen properly in an airtight container, capers in brine will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.

It’s important to note that the quality of the capers may start to decline after prolonged freezing. The brine may become cloudy and the capers can begin to soften. For best quality, try to use frozen capers within 3-4 months. The frozen capers will still be safe to eat even if stored for the full 6 months, but may not have the same crunchy, bright flavor.

How to Freeze Capers in Brine

Freezing capers in brine is easy to do at home with just a few simple steps:

1. Purchase a jar or container of capers packed in brine. Avoid pre-sliced or minced capers as they will not freeze as well. Whole capers work best.
2. Drain the brine from the capers and set it aside. Rinse the capers under cool water to remove any remaining brine.
3. Pat the capers dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel. Getting them as dry as possible will prevent clumping when frozen.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Spread the capers out in a single layer on the lined pan.
5. Place the baking sheet of capers in the freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen.
6. Transfer the frozen capers to an airtight freezer container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
7. Fill the container with enough of the reserved brine to just cover the capers. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
8. Seal the container and return it to the freezer. Frozen capers in brine will keep for up to 6 months.

Tips for Freezing Capers

Follow these tips for best results when freezing capers in brine:

• Make sure capers are as dry as possible before freezing. Excess moisture leads to clumping.
• Work quickly when draining and drying the capers. The longer they are out of the brine, the more they will begin to lose flavor.
• Use brine reserved from the original jar if possible. Alternately, make a new brine with 1 cup water, 1⁄2 tsp salt, and 1⁄4 cup white vinegar.
• Leave headspace in the freezer container as liquids expand when frozen.
• Label the container with contents and date before freezing.
• Freeze capers for the shortest time possible for best quality. Use within 3-4 months.
• Do not refreeze capers if thawed.

How to Use Frozen Capers

Using frozen capers is simple. There is no need to thaw them before use.

• Measure out the amount of frozen capers needed. Return remainder to freezer promptly.
• Rinse capers under cool water to remove any ice crystals. Drain well and pat dry if needed.
• Use immediately in pasta, salad, chicken piccata or any favorite recipe calling for capers.
• For a milder flavor, rinse thawed capers before using to remove some of the brine.
• Add extra capers to dishes if their flavor seems diminished after freezing.

Frozen capers are great to have on hand for quick weeknight meals or impromptu entertaining. Their bright, tangy bite adds the perfect accent to all kinds of dishes.

Can You Freeze Capers Without Brine?

It is possible to freeze plain capers without brine, but they will lose some of their signature flavor. The brine solution helps maintain the taste and texture of capers during freezing. Without it, frozen capers may taste more bitter and less piquant.

To freeze brine-less capers:

1. Rinse capers and pat very dry.
2. Spread in single layer on lined baking sheet and freeze 1-2 hours.
3. Transfer frozen capers to airtight freezer container or bag.
4. Squeeze out excess air and seal container.
5. Freeze up to 3 months. Use as soon as possible for best flavor.

Plain frozen capers should be rinsed before using to remove any freezer odors. Expect the flavor to be a bit subdued without brine.

Can You Freeze Caper Berries?

Unlike caper buds, caper berries are the fruit of the caper bush. They are about the size of a corn kernel and often packed in brine, vinegar or salt. Their flavor is milder than caper buds.

Caper berries can also be frozen by following the same process used for caper buds:

1. Drain brine from berries and set aside.
2. Rinse berries and pat dry thoroughly.
3. Spread on lined pan in single layer and freeze 1-2 hours.
4. Place frozen berries in airtight container and cover with reserved brine.
5. Freeze up to 3 months. Rinse before using.

The large size of caper berries makes them easy to rinse after freezing. They can add a decorative touch and mild, briny flavor to seafood, salads, dips and more.

Conclusion

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of capers in brine so you can enjoy their unique flavor whenever a recipe calls for them. For best quality, freeze capers for no longer than 3-4 months and keep plenty of brine in the container to maintain texture and taste. Frozen capers are ready to use straight from the freezer. Just rinse away any ice crystals and incorporate into your favorite dishes. With proper freezing methods, you can keep a stash of capers on hand to elevate meals anytime.