Recently, May 2020, there has been the creation of the new PDO Aeolian Capers. Apparently capers can be grown on all the islands of the archipelago. The production of this new PDO currently stands at 600-700 quintals a year and about half comes from Salina.
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The first PGI recognition for Sicilian capers came for the Pantelleria island. The volcanic origin and very arid soil of the island, is ideal for its cultivation. Harvesting is done by hand, from May 1st to October 31st. Capers also have their properties. Thanks to the action of rutin and quercetin, they are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective. Antirheumatic and diuretic decoctions are obtained from the bark, while the ground buds spread on the skin can be used as a whitening mask such as vitiligo and couperose. The ancient Romans produced a medicated wine, letting the buds macerate with juniper berries for two months. Furthermore, capers contain mineral salts and vitamins of groups A, C, E, K. They are also suitable for those suffering from hypertension, thanks to the salting method, and are an excellent food against diabetes, as they reduce blood sugar and improve liver functions, without effects on the kidneys.
