Turn Daylily Buds into Delicious Faux Capers: A Simple Preserving Recipe

Preserving the taste of spring: A simple guide to making daylily capers Hungary – A Hungarian gardener, Daisy Bukovicsné Bék, shares a unique recipe for preserving daylily buds, transforming them into delicious faux capers. This traditional method, popular in some parts of China for centuries, offers a simple and flavorful way to utilize the often-overlooked buds of this common garden flower. The process, as demonstrated in a recent video, is surprisingly straightforward. First, the gardener carefully selects small, unopened daylily buds. "We collect the tiny, unopened, green buds," explains Bék in the video. These are thoroughly cleaned before being packed tightly into a sterilized jar. Next, a hot brine solution, combining salt and vinegar, is poured over the buds, ensuring they are fully submerged. Finally, the jar is pressure cooked, preserving the capers for later use. Bék highlights the versatility of daylily capers, suggesting their use as a flavorful addition to salads or as a unique garnish for various dishes. The video concludes with the finished product, showcasing the vibrant green color of the preserved buds. This simple technique not only preserves a seasonal ingredient but also promotes sustainable food practices, minimizing food waste. The video, uploaded on June 7th, 2025, has already garnered significant attention online, demonstrating the growing interest in unique and sustainable culinary practices.