American Elderberry Capers

Tangy capers can become the main part of many dishes. They add the right amount of zing to fish, in vinaigrettes and dips. Capers are traditionally the unopened flower bud of a caper bush, or Capparis spinosa that's been pickled. But did you know you can use unripe American elderberries and get a delicious, caper-like treat too?

Similar to our American Elderberry Mustard Glaze, this refrigerator caper recipe is easy to make and delivers tang and kick to many dishes!

While we are going into harvest season, many American elderberries here in the Midwest are nearing ripe stage. If you have indeterminate selections, they may still be putting off new flower and berry heads. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of those late heads and make capers with the green berries. American elderberry selections that are indeterminate and readily available from most local farms are as follows: Pocahontas, Adams and Wyldewood.

Click HERE if you want to learn more about how to buy American elderberry plants and what we have available throughout the year.

Picking & Destemming Your Elderberries

You're going to want to start with bright green, unripe berries. If they are nearing ripeness, likely your capers will be a mushy mess in the end. If they are not quite green enough, they will be very hard. Choose wisely. Another thing to consider is if you are foraging your berries, ensure they are not close to a busy roadside or near a railroad track where they could be growing with lots of chemicals.

Below is a photo of some prime American elderberries that could be used in this caper recipe.

Next you are going to want to destem them. If you want to go pro, check out our destemming tray and washing basket combo available on our website. Click the image below or HERE to see them. You can also use your hands to gently get the berries off or use a household item such as a fork. You want as little stems as possible in your mix. Once your berries are destemmed, you'll want to wash them properly.

Starting The Fermentation Process

There are a few ways to start your fermentation process. One method you soak the berries in a salt and water solution, but I have seen other recipes that recommend just packing the capers in salt. This process generally takes 3-5 days. During this time your berries will lose that stunning bright green color and become a little greyer/browner.

It should be noted that you want to ensure all your equipment is sterilized and clean.

Options & Alternatives

• I personally prefer an organic, raw apple cider vinegar with the mother. I have found other recipes that use white vinegar and even white wine vinegar. I am sure the flavor profile is slightly different, so choose whatever you have on hand or what you prefer.

• I have also seen people choose caster sugar because it's a bit finer, but granulated sugar also works.

Hot Water Bath VS Refrigerator

Hot water bath vs refrigerator capers: If you choose to water bath your capers they will last quite a long time. This recipe is for refrigerator capers, which are generally good for up to two weeks. Once the fermentation process is complete, you'll store your brined berries in the refrigerator. If you have hot water bathed after all the steps, you can choose to keep your jars on a shelf unopened.

Ingredients:

1. 2 Cups Unripe American Elderberries

2. 2 Cups Water (optional method 6 cups water)

3. 2 Cups Vinegar

4. 1/4 Cup Salt** (optional method 3/4 cup salt)

5. 1/4 Cup Sugar

Equipment:

1. Saucepan

2. Glass Canning Jar w/ Plastic Lid

3. Breathable Cloth for Lid w/ Tie

4. Canning Weight or Grease Proof Paper

5. Strainer

** If you are planning to pack your berries in salt, rather than in a salt and water solution to ferment, you will likely need more salt than this. The salt packed method requires the berries to sit for 5 days in the salt mixture, where the salt and water solution is 3 days.

Instructions - Fermentation

1. Now that you have destemmed and washed your berries, you are ready to start the fermentation process. Start by adding your berries to your clean canning jar.

2. Heat your water enough to dissolve the salt and then pour over the berries.

3. Using a canning weight or grease proof paper, ensure the berries are fully covered in the solution.

4. Add your breathable cloth to the top of the jar and secure with your tie.

5. Let this ferment for 3 days at room temperature. Keep out of direct sunlight in a cool area.

NOTE: Some recipes don't mention changing the water and salt solution daily during your fermentation process. I had always been taught to change the salt water daily, so I will recommend that method. This will triple your initial water and salt amount if you are changing the water daily. Simply heat the new water and salt each day to where the salt dissolves, strain and replace the solution in your jar and add your cloth top and tie.

Instructions - Brining

1. After fermenting, strain your berries from the salt and water solution and put back in your freshly cleaned jar.

2. Next, heat your vinegar and water to boiling for two minutes and until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Pour this hot mixture over your berries. Be careful because it will be hot.

4. Let this cool, then add your plastic lid and place the jar in the refrigerator.

5. It's recommended that you consume within a few weeks. I like to wait at least a week to get them good and flavorful.

With the refrigerator caper method, I do not add fresh herbs into my brine (this is not recommended if you are hot water bathing). I find with the capers needing to be consumed within a few weeks, there's not enough time for the herbs to pass on their flavors in the brine. Instead, I add my fresh herbs when I am making the particular recipe I am using the capers with.

If you choose to hot water bath: This will give you ample brining time and will help the capers last much longer than 2 weeks.

American Elderberry Caper Ideas

What will you do with your capers besides sneak a few each time you open the fridge? Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

1. Mix with dill and sour cream and mayonnaise to create a delicious dill topping for salmon or tuna steaks. If you like it hot, try adding a little wasabi to the mix too!

2. Use them as a salad topper with your favorite vinaigrette. They go excellent in salads with goat or feta cheese as well as sweet salads with walnuts and cranberries or strawberries. Click HERE to make an American Elderberry Salad Dressing!

3. Try them on top of your spaghetti with marinara sauce for an added flair.

4. Sneak them into your bruschetta for a salty kick. Click HERE to make an American Elderberry Bruschetta!

5. Add them as a delicacy on your charcuterie or grazing board. They'll pair great with the cheeses, olives and more.

Visit our blog page to find more American elderberry recipes and tips on growing elderberries. All the products we carry in our shop are made with American elderberries we've grown right here in the Midwest or purchased from other local, trusted farms.

We believe in our native, Sambucus canadensis elderberries and how they can help improve our American farm and food systems. Through sustainable and organic farming methods, we are able to deliver nutrient dense products that start with the health of our soil. Many of our recipes use our River Hills Harvest brand elderberry products, visit our shop to see what we offer today.

SHOP

Until next time friends, cheers to your health!

Heather

I am Heather Wilson, of the River Hills Harvest crew. By being part of the company, I am blessed to have access to American elderberries in all forms. I enjoy experimenting with new ways to incorporate them into my diet, as well as other natural plants, berries and more. I have a background in greenhouse management as well as floral design and am involved in the art community as an artist, when time allows. I enjoy playing guitar and writing songs. I also enjoy wandering in nature with no real purpose, because a purpose always presents itself. It’s a busy life, but one that I love and feel lucky to be a part of.