Capers

Caper Flower

Capers are  the pickled unopened flower buds of the plant Capparis Spinosa.  Actually, I never give much thought to capers. Sure I like them and occasionally purchase them at the grocery store.  Last Sunday, my dear older French friend showed me her Capparis Spinosa plants growing alongside her lovely manor in the proximity of Monflanquin.  She cultivates the buds and packs them in vinegar.  Et voila, capers! She sends me home with a jar to enjoy.  This experience feels magical to me as an unknown world  of edible plants waits to be discovered. My friend's knowledge of botanicals comes from growing up in the French countryside.  Being a city girl, I appreciate her wisdom of the earth and hope French children  growing up today in the countryside  are learning  about the world of plants and the mysteries of the land so that they too will share their knowledge with  generations of city folks like me  to come.