The Agricultural University of Athens will undertake the process for the certification of “Aegean Capers”, contributing to the effort that the South Aegean region has started for several years to highlight the local products of the islands.

For this purpose, a Program Agreement will be signed between the GPA and the region, as announced at the beginning of the week the mandated Primary Sector Filimonas Zannetidis in the presence of ELGO-Dimitras Serkos Haroutounians found in Rhodes.

In particular, Mr. Zannetidis mentioned that we are in the process of signing the contract between the region and the Agricultural University of Athens for the assignment of the process of highlighting the “Caper of the Aegean” as a product of a protected designation of origin or a product of a protected geographical indication. It is noted that Mr. Haroutounian is a professor of Chemistry, at the Laboratory of Physiology of Nutrition & Nutrition of the Agricultural University of Athens, while his research team has drawn up the dossiers for certification as PDO products for Santorini fava beans and tomatoes.

In fact, referring to the matter, he said the following characteristically from Rhodes: “For us, the certification of “Aegean capers” is very important, not so much as a product, but because as a country we should have certified products with a second compound of the word that to contain Greek names from areas which are disputed by various agnostics or by people who have visions.

I am extremely grateful that the district is giving us this opportunity to help in this effort.”

As “Rodiaki” recently wrote, after the local products of our islands that were certified by the South Aegean region and the dozens of others for which the certification process is ongoing, one more product is on its way to prominence.

It is about the caper, the wild plant that is connected both to the history of our islands and to their cuisine and is known to everyone. It grows throughout the entire area of ​​both Rhodes and the other islands of the Dodecanese as well as the Cyclades and we find it even in the most arid and stony soils. In fact, it is not rare that caper plants grow between the stones of the walls of the Medieval City of Rhodes as well as the Palace of the Grand Master.

It is now a characteristic feature of our islands as our island region, with its summer sunshine and the quality of its soil, is an ideal place for the natural growth of this shrub. It thrives in rocky, coastal and uncultivated places that retain moisture and strong sunlight, so it can grow even in the most unlikely places. In our area we start collecting its leaves in the spring and until June, at the latest as the bush dries up in the winter.

Also, we usually preserve them in brine or even in vinegar after putting them in hot water to remove their bitterness. But both its buds and its fruit can be used and give a special touch to salads, especially village ones, while in the Cyclades its leaves are dried or cooked like greens and used as a garnish in salads, while cooked capers accompanies many traditional dishes of the islands.

Its beneficial properties

According to the experts there are dozens of species of capers. Most of them have thorns and some of the species are creeping or climbing.

The bark of the root is used in the treatment of various diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, toothache and skin diseases. In ancient times it was believed that the plant has healing and magical properties. In medicine, it is used in cases of weakness, as a stimulant of circulation and respiratory functions.

Stops diarrhea and spasms in the stomach and intestines. It is also used in wasp stings and snake bites. It relieves stomach aches and bloating, and helps keep diabetes under control.

It is also known to prevent chest congestion and help control blood sugar. But it can also be used directly on the skin to keep it hydrated. Another use of capers is in the treatment of disorders such as skin redness, irritation and pimples. In addition, it helps and slows down the aging process, thanks to its antioxidant properties.

Capers are also widely used in hair care products, as they are rich in vitamins and iron. Iron helps prevent hair loss. Finally, research studies report that it has antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties and possibly contributes to the prevention of certain forms of cancer.