With their salty, pungent taste, capers make for a savory addition to pasta dishes, sauces and condiment spreads. Often sold pickled in brine, capers have an extended shelf-life in the pantry or fridge. They may also be frozen for use at a later date.
Freezer Life
There is virtually no bacteria growth at 0 degrees F, making the capers indefinitely safe to consume after freezing. However, over time, the quality of the capers may suffer. Aim to use up frozen capers within a year of freezing.
How to Do It
Freezing capers is a simple process. Strain away the brine from the capers, place them in a sealable freezer bag, and store them in your freezer. Store capers in smaller quantities, such as in 1/4-cup portions, so you can defrost only what you need for your recipe.
Pantry or Fridge Storage
Because capers are stored in brine, they have a long shelf life in your pantry or fridge. A jar of unopened capers may remain good for one to two years after the printed "use by" date on the jar. Store jars in a pantry at less than 75 degrees F. Jars of capers that have been opened may remain good in the refrigerator for as long as one year after the printed date.