DictionarycaperPickled flower bud
noun

caper

A pickled flower bud used as a pungent seasoning.

The cook adds a caper to the sauce.

Etymology

Greek kapparis named the caper plant. The English food name transfers the plant’s name to its unopened flower buds, which are preserved and eaten as seasoning.

More examples

  • Several capers topped the fish.
  • She rinsed the capers.
  • The caper tasted sharp and salty.

Forms

caper · capers

Similar words

pickle
A broader preserved food category.
seasoning
Anything added for flavor, not this specific bud.