The Diarygame || Travel Diary: Peschici || Thursday, August 8th

During my walk through the medieval village of Peschici, I discovered a surprising aspect of its flora: caper plants growing wild on the stone walls of its narrow streets. These shrubs, which might seem like mere weeds to the uninitiated, are actually capers, a prized element of the Mediterranean diet.

My curiosity was piqued when I heard an elderly, very energetic and friendly lady explaining the characteristics of these plants to her granddaughter. She told me that capers must be harvested before they fully blossom; once the flower appears, they are no longer suitable for picking. She showed me how, after their flowering, capers become too large to be preserved effectively.

After harvesting, the capers are washed, stripped of their stems, and stored in a jar with salt for forty days. This method allows them to be preserved for up to two years. The lady emphasized the importance of these small buds in the local cuisine, used to enrich pizzas, salads, and dishes like vitello tonnato.

This discovery allowed me not only to learn something new about the nature and culinary culture of Peschici but also to appreciate the passion and connection of the local people with their environment. The caper plant, more than just a simple bush, represents a living tradition, maintained through generations. In this small part of Italy, even a casual stroll can turn into a lesson in botany and gastronomy, revealing the secrets of a landscape rich in history and flavor.

Stay tuned, I will take you to visit the village in the evening through the local craft shops.

The photos were taken with my phone.

Thank you for reading @ibesso