Caper Lifecycle

How does something go from this to that?

At the Archaeological Park Neapolis in Syracuse, Sicily, our guide pointed out a scruffy plant growing out of the wall of limestone and educated us about caper plants. She pointed out that these plants grew everywhere, especially out of limestone. Once I knew what they looked like, I saw them everywhere. I even tried to eat one from the bush but tasted little similarity to the capers we know and love.

We saw capers growing on the side of the road, hiking up Stromboli, and cascading down castle walls. They were sold in the market stalls and ended up in our delicious caponata for dinner.

I am glad they are processed and make their way to my grocery shelf for putanesca, bagels, and piccata.