Capers are the flower buds of a caper shrub “Caparis Spinosa”. From the caper shrub we obtain both capers (which are the flowers before blossoming) and also the berries, caperberries (which are the fruits of the shrub). Capers are collected in the spring, when the buds still are the size of a kernel of corn. The smaller capers are the more sought after capers. Once harvested capers and caperberries are pickled in vinegar and salt.