Capers, which are often used in Mediterranean dishes, can add a briny, salty flavor to salads, sauces, and pasta dishes. Like most food items, capers do have a shelf life and eventually go bad if not stored properly or kept for too long.
Is it okay to eat expired capers?
Consuming expired capers may not be harmful to your health, but they may not taste as good or have the same texture as fresh capers. It is essential to check their appearance, smell, and taste before consuming them. If they appear moldy, slimy, or have an off smell, it is best to dispose them of, as they may cause food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramping.
However, if they look and smell okay, you can eat them, but their flavor may not be optimal. It is always best to consume foods before their expiration date.
How Long Do Capers Last?
The shelf life of capers usually depends on how they are packaged, whether fresh or pickled, and how they are stored. Here are some general guidelines for how long capers can last:
- Fresh capers: Fresh capers are best consumed within a few days of harvest. If not used immediately, they can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
- Pickled capers: Pickled capers have a longer shelf life compared to fresh capers. An unopened jar of pickled capers can last up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place.
- Opened jar of capers: Once a jar of capers has been opened, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. An opened jar of capers can last for up to six months in the refrigerator.
It is always best to check the expiration date and appearance of capers before consuming them.
Just like capers, other foods have their own shelf life and storage recommendations. For example, it’s useful to know how long you can keep wontons before they spoil, or whether dishes like scaloppine can go bad.
Similarly, pantry staples such as sunflower seeds and snack options like Kibo lentil chips also have expiration dates to be mindful of. Being aware of the shelf life of these various food items ensures that you can enjoy them at their best quality and flavor.
What about a Capers cake?
A cake made using caper which are preserved in vinegar or brine, they may last longer than a cake made using fresh capers which can last for up to four days.
Alternatively, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. it is important to note that the shelf life of any cake depends on its ingredients and how it is stored.
How To Tell If Capers Go Bad
Capers can go bad just like any other food. Here are some indicators that the capers have gone bad and are no longer safe to consume:
- Foul smell: If the capers have a sour musty or rotten smell they have gone bad.
- Discoloration: If the capers appear discolored such as turning brown they have gone bad and should not be used.
- Mold: If you see mold growing on the capers it’s best to discard them as mold can be harmful to your health.
- Slimy texture: If the capers have a slimy texture it means that bacteria have started to grow on them and they are no longer safe to eat.
- Taste: If the capers taste off or have a bitter or unpleasant taste it indicates that they have gone bad.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard capers that appear or smell bad.
What makes Capers go bad
Capers can go bad if they are not stored properly. Exposure to heat light and air can cause capers to spoil. In addition capers that are not washed properly or are left out at room temperature for too long can also spoil.
Signs that capers have gone bad include a sour smell a mushy texture and a change in color from a light green to brown. it is important to dispose of them properly.
Should Capers be Refrigerated?
Capers can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place before opening. However, once the bottle or jar has been opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their quality and freshness.
Capers can last up to 1 year in the refrigerator if they are stored in their brine or vinegar solution. It is important to keep the capers covered with the liquid to prevent them from drying out and to prevent any contamination.
Can I heat Capers?
Technically you can heat capers but it is not recommended as it can change their flavor and texture. Capers are usually consumed raw or added to dishes after cooking to add a tangy briny flavor.
If you want to enhance the flavor of capers you can toss them in a little olive oil and roast them in the oven for a few minutes until they are slightly crispy. However be careful not to overcook them as this can make them bitter. Overall it is best to enjoy capers raw or cold.
What is the Best Way to Store Capers?
The best way to store capers is to keep them in an airtight container or their original bottle or jar, with the brine or vinegar solution covering them completely to prevent them from drying out.
If you purchase capers in a plastic bag or bulk, transfer them to an airtight container and cover them with a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. Keep the container in the refrigerator where they can last up to one year.
Are Capers Poisonous?
Capers are not poisonous. They are a common condiment in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and are widely used in dishes such as salads pasta and sauces. However like any food it is possible to have an allergic reaction or intolerance to capers which can cause symptoms like itching hives and difficulty breathing.
It is also important to note that capers come in various sizes and can be pickled in different ways so it’s best to purchase them from a reputable source and follow proper storage guidelines to ensure freshness and safety.
