If we were to think of a dish that reflects elegance and luxury, caviar is undeniably one that tops the list. With its iconic taste, delicate texture, and complicated production process, caviar is not just considered food, but edible art.
Where Does Caviar Originate From?
Caviar is the word for Sturgeon roe or eggs, a freshwater fish that inhabit in the Black Sea or Caspian Sea - the origin for the highest quality of caviar.
Why Is Caviar So Expensive?
It is undeniable that when we talk about caviar, people often think about it being expensive and high in quality, where caviar differs from other fish roe such as salmon and trout. Let’s find out why caviar is more expensive.
Sturgeons are slow-breeding fish
Take up to 7-9 years before reaching a reproductive age for producing roe, with one sturgeon producing roe that is only 10-15% of their weight each year. Nowadays, the population of wild sturgeon has significantly declined, leading to it being classified as an endangered species and placed under the protection of the CITES convention, making caviar even more difficult to obtain.
Complicated farming and harvesting procedure
Sturgeon farming requires a suitable environment, particularly cold water temperatures that range from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. Therefore sturgeon is a species that cannot be easily farmed in all areas. Additionally, the fish ponds must be closely monitored, especially in terms of cleanliness, with consistent water quality control. Caviar harvesting also demands advanced techniques and expertise such as checking the maturity stage of the eggs, using hormones to stimulate ovulation, and processing eggs using methods to preserve their quality and flavor.
Difficult to source while highly demanded
Sturgeon caviar, in particular rare types such as Beluga Caviar, is considered rare and limited in quality each year. With demand exceeding supply, this is the main reason behind its consistently high price.
Luxuriously nutritious
Aside from being considered a luxury, caviar actually offers impressive nutritional benefits being high in protein, omega 3 and 6, vitamins, and various minerals. Furthermore, caviar is sourced to ensure high quality from the size of each caviar, taste, to texture–all of which are determinants of the price of caviar
Learn More About the Different Breeds of Luxurious Caviar
With caviar’s delicate, smooth texture, and a time-consuming harvesting procedure, caviar is considered a “rare delicacy” sought after by gourmets around the world. Here are three fish species in the world of caviar that everyone should know about before indulging:
Beluga Caviar
comes from the Huso Huso breed, also known as the “white sturgeon” which is the world’s largest freshwater and brackish water fish. Beluga caviar is the largest amongst the main types of caviar, and has a characteristic grey-black tint, with a smooth, delicate and melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Kaluga Caviar
harvested from a large sturgeon breed found in China’s Yangtze river. It is similar in characteristic to the Beluga, but has a lower price while rich and smooth taste.
Oscietra Caviar
smaller in size than Beluga caviar, but are still considerably large and come in different shades from gold, yellow to brown hues. It is fragrant, rich and slightly salty and is commonly enjoyed amongst those that prefer depth and variety in taste. Oscietra caviar is therefore classified as a premium caviar that is second-most expensive to that of Beluga caviar, and enjoyed worldwide.
Caviar 101: Answering All Queries for This Luxurious Fish Roe
How does caviar taste?
Caviar has a rich and multidimensional flavor profile, while slightly creamy depending on the breed and grade of the fish. It is usually slightly salty in taste similar to that of the sea, and gently pops inside the mouth when eaten.
How is caviar consumed or seasoned?
Usually, caviar is served chilled at 0-4 degrees Celsius in a glass or crystal dish over ice. Avoid using dishes made from metal as this could alter caviar’s taste. It is often enjoyed with blinis (Russian pancakes) or lightly buttered croutons, Sour Cream, finely chopped onions and chives. Furthermore, caviar can also be used as a topping to elevate and elegance to dishes such as Sushi, Pasta or scrambled eggs.
What nutritious and health benefits does caviar have?
Caviar is a high quality protein source that is rich in amino acids and omega 3 and 6, which is anti-inflammatory and helps to promote heart and brain health. It is also high in vitamin B12 which helps improve the nervous system and stimulates production of red blood cells. Rich in vitamin A, iron, selenium, and other minerals, caviar helps boost the immune system while supporting overall health. However, due to the fact that it is high in sodium, caviar should be consumed in moderation, and may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.
How to choosing Caviar?
It is best to choose caviar harvested from trusted farms that are certified in terms of quality, freshness, where it is important to be aware of the expiry date and storage at -2 to 0 degrees Celsius. Begin by purchasing from experienced suppliers with good reviews to ensure the best quality.
No matter if you are new to caviar and trying it for the first time, or an enthusiast looking for high quality caviar, Villa Market has sourced premium Beluga Caviar, Oscietra Caviar and Kaluga Caviar from leading distributors!
