Capers and caperberries 247
Caper leaf and fruit extracts, applied as wet compresses to inflamed skin, may produce
acute contact dermatitis (Angelini et al., 1991). Nevertheless, Lemmi Cena and Rovesti
(1979) pointed out that caper extracts may be used for treating enlarged capillaries
and dry skin. Barbera (1991) suggested that they could be utilized for cosmetic
preparations (creams, shampoo, lotions, and gels), due to the presence of some active
principles: rutin and quercetin (flavonoids that produce effects similar to those of
vitamin P), glucocapparin (rubefacient action), pectins (moisturizing and protecting
effects), phytohormones, and vitamins.
13.6 Quality issues and future trends....................................................
Consumer satisfaction and repeat purchases of food are dependent upon flavour and
nutritional quality. Many studies exalt the nutritional value of caper flowering buds,
which are widely used as a source of flavour. Capers are rich in antioxidant compounds.
Besides, caper isothiocyanates are well-known as cancer preventive agents and different
caper extracts have hypoglycaemic properties and protective effects against hepatotoxic
substances. Moreover, capers and caperberries could be part of new therapeutic
strategies based on natural products.
Increasing amounts of capers are being consumed in different countries, and this
trend appears likely to be sustained for coming years, the interest in new tastes
presumably accounting for most of the increase in caper consumption. Success in
caper bush cultivation depends mainly on five fundamental points: (i) biotypes of
high quality and production; (ii) adequate propagation; (iii) good control of cultivation
practices, particularly harvest; (iv) adequate postharvest processing and storage; and
(v) efficient marketing systems and strategies. Caper yields are much higher in irrigated
plantings, with NPK fertilization, although much more research is required to determine
the optimal cultivation conditions for this species. Diseases and pests do not seem to
be a great problem in general but need to be researched. Two major expenses are
expected, implantation and harvesting. The latter may be the stumbling block in
high-input systems, and the possibility of a semi-mechanical operation should be
considered in order to remove this limiting factor. Moreover, further improvement in
caper quality may be obtained by regulating harvesting dates.
There is an assortment of opportunities for plant breeders to contribute to
domestication of caper bush for agricultural purposes. Determination of the genetic
bases for productivity, ease of propagation, absence of stipular spines, and flower
bud quality and conservation are high-priority research needs. Finally, marketing
research remains an area of great importance. Marketing of capers without pre-
arranged contract with processing or exporting companies could be very risky. Market
promotion and the ability of handlers to provide a high-quality product at times that
will yield a competitive price have become essential factors. Producers and handlers
will be challenged to develop new and expanded markets for capers.
13.7 References.......................................................................................
ABBAS J A and EL-OQLAH A A (1992), ‘Distribution and communities of halophytic plants in Bahrain’,
J Arid Environ, 22, 205–218.