Capers are prickly. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

CULTURAL AND WILD PLANTS
Free library / Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

Capers are prickly. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Spiny capers, Capparis spinosa. Legends, myths, symbolism, Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Prickly capers

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Capparis (Capers)

Family: Capparaceae

Origin: Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia.

Area: Prickly capers are widely distributed in regions with subtropical and tropical climates.

Chemical composition: Caper plants contain antioxidants, flavonoids, capersterols, quercetin, quercitrin, rutins, glucosinolates, capsicin, etc.

Economic value: Capers are used in the food industry as a seasoning for salads, meat dishes and sauces. They also have medicinal uses, as an antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and as a digestive aid. In addition, capers are used in cosmetics and perfumery.

Legends, myths, symbolism: One of the most famous myths is associated with the goddess Aphrodite, who, according to legend, fell in love with a young man, but his parents did not approve of this relationship. They sent him to different countries so that he would forget his beloved, but nothing could interfere with their love. One day, Aphrodite saw a young man die and she turned him into a caper bush to preserve his memory. In some cultures, the caper bush symbolizes life and death. For example, in the Mediterranean, capers often grow in dry and infertile lands, and their flowering can be strong and short-lived. It can be associated with life, which can be short and unexpected, but also bright and beautiful. In addition, the caper bush can overcome even the harshest conditions and bear fruit, which symbolizes perseverance and endurance. In some cultures, capers are associated with a strong and witty character and can be used as a symbol of strength and perseverance.

Spiny capers, Capparis spinosa. Description, illustrations of the plant

Spiny capers, Capparis spinosa L. Classification, synonyms, botanical description, nutritional value, cultivation

Prickly capers

Synonyms: Capparis ovata M. B., C. herbacea Willd. C. spinosa var. canescens bois.

Name: fr. caprier.

A perennial plant cultivated in southern Europe for its flower buds, which are eaten. In its raw form, the ripe fruits of this plant are also edible.

In the Caucasus, where capers grow almost everywhere (excluding high mountainous regions), they are collected for local consumption: in Dagestan and Ciscaucasia, the collection is industrial in nature. In Fergana, the fruits of this plant are harvested for the winter, and not only the pulp of the fruit is used, but also the oil extracted from the seeds (the fruits contain about 18% protein and about 36% fat). Capers are a honey plant; reproduce by seeds and vegetatively.

The root is straight, up to 10-12 m in length; stems numerous, prostrate, up to 1,5 m long, stipules in the form of yellowish spines, straight or bent; leaves on short petioles, rounded, obovate or elliptical, sometimes with a pointed end, young leaves and ends of branches are often white-tomentose-pubescent.

Flowers 5-8 cm across, solitary in leaf axils, on stalks often exceeding the length of the adjacent leaf, calyx of pointed ovate concave leaves, shortly pubescent on the outside, petals up to 4 cm long, pale pink, white, rarely yellowish; ovary on stalk 3-5 cm long; capsule oblong-obovate, attenuated below, 2,5-4,5 cm wide; seeds brown, punctate, about 3 mm in diameter.

Blooming buds contain 100-150 mg% of ascorbic acid, 56,5 mg% in immature fruits, and 26 mg% in mature ones. Flower buds contain 86-88% water, in absolutely dry matter as a percentage: nitrogen-containing substances 22-32, fat 3,3-4,2, BEV 37,5-54,5. They also contain rutin glucoside in an amount of about 0,32%. The seeds contain 34-36% fatty semi-drying oil.

The harvest of buds from a bush ranges from 500 g to 3 kg.

Food plant, cultivated.

In cooking (especially in Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, French cuisines), unblown flower buds are used, as well as the fruits of the plant.

The buds are sorted by size, dried overnight, and then salted, marinated, sometimes preserved in vinegar and vegetable oil. It is believed that small capers have a more delicate, and large - more spicy taste. Salted capers are sometimes pre-soaked, washed, or scalded to remove excess salt before cooking. The taste is piquant, spicy, slightly tart, sour, slightly mustard. They have a strong aroma due to mustard oil, which appears when the stem of the plant is rubbed.

Ripe fruits of the caper bush can be eaten raw. They are pod-shaped berries with reddish flesh, similar to small striped cucumbers - capperoni.

Prickly capers

Flower buds, plucked to full bloom, marinated in vinegar, are the capers for which this plant is grown in culture. Pickled buds are used as a spicy seasoning. They contain 21-29% proteins, 3,8-4,6% fat, 0,32% rutin, 150 mg% ascorbic acid, essential oil, pectin and other compounds useful for the body. In the Caucasus, buds are harvested both for local consumption and for the production of canned food.

The fruits are eaten fresh; earlier they were dried and consumed in winter instead of sugar. Their pulp is very sweet (up to 12% sugars), similar in taste to watermelon. The seeds contain up to 18% protein and 25-36% semi-drying fatty oil suitable for food use.

Capers are also used in folk medicine. Fresh parts of capers have diuretic, antiseptic and analgesic properties. The fruits are used for thyroid diseases, hemorrhoids, gum disease and toothache. Non-healing wounds are treated with caper juice, and diabetes mellitus is treated with infusion and decoction of young leaves and shoots of caper. The bark of the fresh roots of the plant is chewed for diseases of the oral cavity and toothache. A decoction of the bark of the roots is used for hypochondria, hysterical seizures, paralysis, diseases of the spleen and for colds and rheumatic pain. The composition of capers includes rutin, so they are used for high blood pressure. A decoction of flowers, bark and roots of caper is used to improve cardiac activity, with pain of a different nature and neuroses.

In the Caucasus, pickled young branches with flowers are sometimes used as a seasoning and a cold snack. In some recipes, immature green nasturtium fruit ovaries may be used instead of capers. Caucasian jonjoli is sometimes confused with capers.

The roots are also used in handicrafts to dye silk greens and browns.

Good honey plant.

Decorative plant.

Author: Ipatiev A.N.

Spiny capers, Capparis spinosa. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

Gastrointestinal problems: capers are used as a gastric tonic and aid in digestion. They can help manage problems like constipation, gas, and diarrhea. It is recommended to use capers as a spice for various dishes.
Anti-inflammatory properties: capers can help manage inflammation in the body, including arthritis and other inflammation-related conditions. It is recommended to use capers as a spice for various dishes.
Antitumor properties: Some studies have shown that capers may have anticancer properties and help fight cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.
Other uses: capers can also be helpful in lowering blood pressure, improving vision, boosting the immune system, and combating insomnia.

Cosmetology:

Mask for the face: Mix 2 tablespoons finely chopped capers with 1 tablespoon honey and a little water until you get a thick paste. Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask helps to cleanse and moisturize the skin.
Exfoliating Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon chopped capers with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a little sugar. Apply to wet skin and massage in circular motions for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This scrub helps to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation.
Hair conditioner: mix 2 tablespoons of capers with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. Apply to hair after shampooing and leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This conditioner helps to strengthen and moisturize hair.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Spiny capers, Capparis spinosa. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Spiny caper (Capparis spinosa) is a perennial plant native to Mediterranean regions and eastern Asia.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing prickly capers:

Cultivation:

Spiny capers prefer sunny locations and well-drained soils. They can grow both in pots and outdoors.
Spiny caper plants can withstand dry spells, but they need to be watered regularly during growth and flowering periods.
Reproduction of prickly capers occurs through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring in nutrient soil to a depth of 1-2 cm. Cuttings should be planted in the ground in spring or summer.

Workpiece:

Prickly capers are used in cooking as a spice. For this, unopened flowers or small fruits collected before flowering are used.
Flowers or fruits should be picked when they are closed and left for several hours in a brine of water and salt, then washed and dried.
Ready capers can be stored in jars of vinegar or brine seasoned with spices or herbs in a cool place.

Storage:

Prickly capers can be stored in jars with brine in a cool place for up to 1 year.
Capers can also be frozen in the freezer, keeping them fresh for up to 6 months.
Drying the capers is not recommended as they lose their special flavor and aroma.

We recommend interesting articles Section Cultivated and wild plants:

▪ Comb (tamarix, tamarisk)

▪ Cuban spinach

▪ Mallotus Philippine

▪ Play the game "Guess the plant from the picture"

See other articles Section Cultivated and wild plants.

Comments on the article Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

New method for creating powerful batteries 08.05.2024

With the development of technology and the expanding use of electronics, the issue of creating efficient and safe energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Researchers at the University of Queensland have unveiled a new approach to creating high-power zinc-based batteries that could change the landscape of the energy industry. One of the main problems with traditional water-based rechargeable batteries was their low voltage, which limited their use in modern devices. But thanks to a new method developed by scientists, this drawback has been successfully overcome. As part of their research, scientists turned to a special organic compound - catechol. It turned out to be an important component that can improve battery stability and increase its efficiency. This approach has led to a significant increase in the voltage of zinc-ion batteries, making them more competitive. According to scientists, such batteries have several advantages. They have b ... >>

Alcohol content of warm beer 07.05.2024

Beer, as one of the most common alcoholic drinks, has its own unique taste, which can change depending on the temperature of consumption. A new study by an international team of scientists has found that beer temperature has a significant impact on the perception of alcoholic taste. The study, led by materials scientist Lei Jiang, found that at different temperatures, ethanol and water molecules form different types of clusters, which affects the perception of alcoholic taste. At low temperatures, more pyramid-like clusters form, which reduces the pungency of the "ethanol" taste and makes the drink taste less alcoholic. On the contrary, as the temperature increases, the clusters become more chain-like, resulting in a more pronounced alcoholic taste. This explains why the taste of some alcoholic drinks, such as baijiu, can change depending on temperature. The data obtained opens up new prospects for beverage manufacturers, ... >>

Random news from the Archive

ON Semiconductor NCL30085/6/8 LED Driver Controllers 07.01.2016

To obtain high-quality LED lighting, it is necessary to pay great attention to the power source (driver) of the lamp. ON Semiconductor introduces NCL30085, NCL30086, NCL30088 chips for manufacturing LED light drivers. Microcircuits are quasi-resonant PWM controllers. In the controller operation algorithm, the power factor corrector (PFC) algorithm is additionally embedded, which allows to reduce the distortion of the current consumption from the network.

The controller switching circuit is such that it does not require additional galvanic isolation for the feedback circuit, for example, an optocoupler. Monitoring and control of the output current (flowing through the secondary circuit of the load) is carried out by monitoring the current flowing through the primary winding transformer. This control method is called PSC-Primary Side Current mode.

The controllers include thermal protection (Thermal Foldback), which allows you to automatically change the output current level in the load up to 0,5Iout, thereby protecting the circuit from failure. Subsequently, if the temperature of the driver does not decrease, the PWM controller is completely turned off.

The controllers are produced in two modifications, differing in the type of start after the protection is triggered - automatic restart or trigger latch until the power is turned off.

Key Features:

Analogue, digital or PWM dimming;
Output current control in the primary section;
Low output current error (secondary circuit): +-2%;
Built-in Driver Current (DRV): 300mA / 500mA;
Built-in protections:
- by current (Cycle-by-cycle);
- by supply voltage (OVP on VCC);
- exceeding the output voltage / breaking the secondary circuit of the load;
- short circuit in the secondary circuit;
- programmable thermal protection.

Other interesting news:

▪ Two-stage current sensors

▪ Revealed the secret of dog friendliness

▪ information engine

▪ DNA of things

▪ Hydrogen from gold and rust

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ site section Parameters of radio components. Article selection

▪ article You can't cook porridge. Popular expression

▪ article What specific figure used to mean the word figure? Detailed answer

▪ article Providing first aid for burns, frostbite

▪ article Putty for metal letters on glass. Simple recipes and tips

▪ article Shawls-chameleons. Focus Secret

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews