Capers and histamine: Tips for selecting, preparing and using capers for histamine-sensitive people

In this article, we take a "histamine look" at capers. The flower buds of the caper bush are rarely seen in kitchens in this country. But are they suitable for a low-histamine diet, or should they be considered high-histamine foods? You will find out that and much more in the blog post below.

Overview of capers

As mentioned above, capers are the flower buds that grow on the caper bush. Caper bushes, which can reach a height of up to one meter and cling to walls and rocks with their woody vines, are cultivated in southern European countries as well as in North Africa.

The buds are olive green and are picked before they bloom. There are capers of all sizes, but they are usually distinguished into small, medium, and large capers. The small ones are called "Puntina," the medium ones "Capperi," and the large ones "Capperoni." Generally, you can say: The smaller the caper, the better the quality.

Histamine in capers: Tolerability and histamine level

Fresh capers are rather unsuitable for consumption because they taste very bitter. Therefore, in most cases, you will find them pickled in vinegar or brine – sometimes also marinated in salt. Natural capers are suitable for a low-histamine diet, which is why it is very crucial in a low-histamine diet to check what the capers are pickled in. Since vinegar is absolutely intolerable, capers pickled in vinegar are not recommended. In this case, those affected should opt for capers in brine. The taste also depends on the pickling liquid. It varies from sour and tangy to rather salty.

Capers pickled in sea salt have a high quality level. Furthermore, the inherent flavor is best preserved with this type of preservation. If the capers are pickled in liquid, it is important to ensure they are always covered with liquid after opening. This keeps them fresh in the refrigerator for longer. Individual capers in focus and many capers in a ceramic bowl in the background

Choosing capers for histamine-sensitive individuals

As already mentioned, capers pickled in brine are better suited than capers pickled in vinegar. Additionally, it is important to check the ingredients, as intolerable additives may also be present.
The following additives are generally unsuitable for a low-histamine diet:

Vinegar
Citric acid
Potassium metabisulfite
Mustard seeds

Apart from the intolerable additives, capers are suitable for the following dietary forms:

low-histamine diet
low-fructose diet
gluten-free diet
lactose-free diet
low-sorbitol diet
low-salicylate diet
low-nickel diet

Capers and caper berries: The differences

Caper berries are the significantly larger fruits of the caper bush. They contain many small seeds and, compared to capers (flower buds), are also suitable for consumption as a snack. In most cases, they are available with stems. Regarding histamine, the same applies as for capers.

Capers in the low-histamine kitchen: Preparation

Due to their spicy flavor, capers are frequently used to refine sauces or to prepare fish and meat dishes.

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Low-histamine recipes with capers

Below we have some delicious and low-histamine recipes for you, in which you can perfectly use capers.

Low-histamine dishes with capers

Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad

This Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad is simply incredibly delicious – and in this form, suitable for a low-histamine diet. You absolutely have to try it!

The recipe is: low-histamine

You need the following ingredients:

For the potato salad:

waxy potatoes
onion (1)
parsley
olive oil
water
HistaFood Organic Vegetable Broth
acerola juice
coconut blossom sugar
capers pickled in salt (1)
salt

For the schnitzel:

veal schnitzel
egg yolk
spelt flour
spelt breadcrumbs
clarified butter

Our tip: Our HistaFood Organic Vegetable Spread Carrot & Beetroot also goes well with this.

Cod with roasted cauliflower

This cod with roasted cauliflower is the perfect recipe for a delicious dinner with friends.

The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free

You need the following ingredients:

For the fish:

cod fillet
frying olive oil
fennel seeds
salt

For the cauliflower:

dates
cauliflower
frying olive oil
capers in salt (1)
parsley
bell pepper (red)

For the sauce:

clove (1)
cinnamon (ground)
acerola juice
frying olive oil
HistaFood Organic Vegetable Broth

Our tip: You can also prepare the sauce with broccoli or zucchini.

Enjoying a low-histamine diet can be so easy: With our HistaStarter-Set, you get a practical selection of our most popular HistaFood products for your everyday life – from breakfast to quick sauces. All products are suitable for a low-histamine diet, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan. Ideal if you want to get to know our range and bring more variety into your low-histamine diet.