The plant around us. Volume 1 The plant around us. Volume I | Page 37

GASTRONOMIC USE
MEDICINAL USE
Capparis spinosa is used as an analgesic.
The buds and fruit is canned, then can be
eaten.
The unopened flower buds of this shrub
are picked and preserved in salt or
pickled in vinegar as the culinary capers
which are now enjoyed world-wide as
garnishes or as pungent flavor additives
to a large number of foods including
sauces, butters, salads, fish, meats,
pizza toppings and hors d’oeuvres. Capers
commercially harvested for human
consumption come primarily from plants
growing in southern Spain, France, Italy
and Algeria. Culinary use of capers
extends back in history at least 2500
years.
Capparis spinosa is used as a deobstruent.
Capparis spinosa is used as a vasoconstrictor.
Other information: here are the properties of the
root bark: decoctions from the root bark have been
used in traditional medicines for anemia, arthritis and
gout.
The stem bark is bitter and diuretic. If taken before
meals it will increase the appetite.