Influence of species, harvest date and size on composition of capers (Capparis spp.) flower buds

Abstract

Physical and chemical properties of raw flower buds at three different sizes (x ≤ 8 mm, 8 < x ≤ 13 mm, x > 13 mm) of Capparis spinosa var. spinosa and Capparis ovata var. canescens harvested in June and August were determined. C. Spinosa buds were more firm and spherical than C. ovata. Water, crude fiber, crude oil, total carotenoids and starch values of species in both harvests increased as bud size increased. All materials contained high amounts of Na, K, P, Ca, Mg and Mn, but decreasing Mn in August. Small buds harvested in June were more suitable to processing for physical and chemical properties. Values of analyses were variously affected by species, size and harvest date.