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Capers/ Small grains that are sought after as gold

2024-08-26 07:45:00, Shëndeti CNA

Capers/ Small grains that are sought after as gold

Illustrative photo

You can find capers on the shelves of many points of sale and supermarkets in Albania. They are usually sold packaged in small jars, filled with brine or vinegar.

Caper, one of the most important assortments of Mediterranean cooking is the caper of a wild bush that grows by itself in nature. When fresh, this gonje is inedible because it is very bitter, so mankind has found the solution by making pickles, and adding it to many meat-based dishes, salads, pasta and other foods.

The caper plant is native to Mediterranean countries such as Cyprus, Italy, Greece, but it entered Albania after the 90s. These small grains are known for their characteristic taste, but also for the fact that they offer a lot of nutritional value. Albania is the only Mediterranean country that does not widely cultivate this plant, while other neighboring countries plant it massively, taking advantage of the high export profits, since the prices of the small grains are highly demanded in the markets.

Capers contain iron

Iron is a mineral that keeps red blood cells healthy and helps with oxygen circulation in the body. Iron also helps cells produce enough energy for daily functions, while Capers contain a good amount of this mineral.

Vitamin K

In one tablespoon of capers you will find almost 2 micrograms of vitamin K, so a very good amount. Vitamin K plays an essential role for the blood. It helps maintain bone health and cell development. Low levels of vitamin K cause abnormal bleeding, weaken bones and pose a risk for osteoporosis.

Other nutritional values

There are only 23 calories in 100 grams of capers. However, this spice contains several phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins essential for good health. Beans are rich in flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin. Capers also contain vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin and minerals such as calcium and copper.

Against free radicals and heart problems

Researchers have found that caper pods prevent the oxidation of fats that occurs during cooking and digestion. Other components of capers help regenerate vitamin E which serves as an antioxidant. These two properties help reduce the risk of heart disease and harmful cells. In folk medicine, parts of the caper bush have been used against rheumatism, to reduce stomach pains and stimulate appetite./ AgroWeb.org