Caviar

Top 10 Facts and Myths about Caviar:

1) Caviar is fish eggs so it must taste horrible. An obvious myth. The fact is that everyone's tastes are different but with the variety of caviar available and the various ways to prepare it, most everyone can find a type of caviar that they will like. The idea of eating the egg masses from fish is what normally turns people off from caviar, but like most raw delicacies it is much more palatable once you take the plunge and give it a try.

2) Caviar is live fish eggs. In my experience I’ve found that people who immediately say they don’t like caviar are the same people who are misinformed about exactly what caviar is. Caviar is the processed and salted roe from fish or other marine animals. Either the ovaries or the egg masses of fish and marine animals can be considered roe and there are many different varieties and styles. Roe is not alive. Many people in Asia eat roe raw, unsalted and unprocessed. In America the roe is usually prepared and salted as caviar and served as a subtle addition to a meal.

3) Caviar is healthy for you. This is largely fact, but it depends on how the caviar is prepared and what it is served with. Because caviar is served with little preparation and processing, it is still high in vitamins and minerals and is low in calories. The fact that caviar is eaten in small batches, often as a garnish or hors d'œuvre makes it a great addition to any healthy entrée or appetizer.

4) The only good caviar is from Russia. This is definitely a myth. Russia and Iran are known for their fine caviar but California is also the place to find sought after caviar that can be just as good as anything you will find in Europe.

5) Metallic silverware will ruin the taste of caviar. This has both a bit of myth and fact. Many caviar aficionados and traditionalists will not touch caviar if it comes in a metallic can or if it has been served using anything other than mother-of-pearl or golden spoons. The fact is that most caviar comes from the producer in metal tins and then transferred to glass jars so there is no way to avoid the caviar coming into contact with metal completely. Caviar can be expensive, though, and if you are shelling out a decent chunk of change you do want to get the purest taste possible, so it is recommended you do not use sterling silverware.

6) Caviar is the ultimate delicacy. This is a tough one and obviously based on one’s personal bias. The fact is that for a long time sturgeon were not caught for their roe eggs but for their meat. The fish was so plentiful that the meat was not considered a delicacy. Most cite the early 1900s as the time of the first caviar boom in the United States when sturgeon started becoming primarily caught for their eggs.

7) Caviar is an aphrodisiac. There is some truth to this but it’s debatable whether it is due to the actual properties of caviar or the social aspects of the delicacy. Some say that caviar, since it is high in zinc can be considered an aphrodisiac on par with oysters but others say it is the fact that caviar is seen as a symbol of high social status and wealth that makes heat up romantic encounters.

8) You should not store leftover caviar. This is largely true. Like wine, when exposed to air and warm temperatures, caviar looses a lot of its original aroma and flavor. It is best to consume all your caviar in one sitting. If you must store it cover the caviar with plastic wrap to remove any air and then put it in an air sealed container. Never freeze your caviar.

9) Caviar is good for your skin. This is still debatable. Many say that oily fish and caviar with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are not only good for your heart but good for your skin. This hasn’t been scientifically proven so don’t go out and gorge yourself on caviar and fish. In fact, that could be more dangerous to your health as you could get mercury poisoning.

10) Caviar is expensive. Like any food variety, there are different price ranges for different types and caviar is no exception. Caviar can be expensive, many have even predicted it may even become a sort of extinct delicacy due to its price, but I don’t believe that at all. Caviar will always shave a place in many restaurants and parties as a signifier, no doubt, of what seems like a bygone area, one where men always dressed in suites and women always dressed as Grace Kelly. The aura around caviar will never diminish and it will never become too blasé, and for many caviar foodies, that is just the way they want it.

Russian Olympic Athletes in Trouble for Smuggling Caviar?

In 2006, the Russian Olympic delegation was accused by animal rights activists of importing large quantities of black caviar into Italy.  This violated an international ban.  Apparently they were celebrating the success at the Winter Games at parties, where they served over 220 pounds of sturgeon caviar.  Read the whole story here:

Russian Athletes Flout Black Caviar Ban

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You're in the right spot if you want some basic, firsthand info on buying Caviar. I'd had my fair share of experience with American Caviar, Black Caviar and even some Iranian Caviar. Let's get 'it' out of the way; yes they are all fish eggs. It is what it is. Caviar spoon fed to you is still fish eggs. Russian Caviar, one of the premier suppliers of the specialty dish, is still fish eggs. And while American caviar is slightly different than the rest, all in all there are just different versions of the novelty food yielding slightly different tastes. However, if you know nothing about the dish, read on to get a little knowledge about American Caviar, Red Caviar and other types you may or may not have not heard of before. Don't forget to pick up a decent Caviar spoon if you go out sampling!

 When the time comes to buy Caviar, don't assume you'll be sitting next to high-profile celebrities. Caviar can be purchased in as many places as there are colorful varities of the novelty food. Doing a little research with turn up an assortment of Caviar buying options. It might be your local seafood market, the corner deli or a glamourous restaurant you never thought you'd step foot in. When you buy Caviar, you should know what you're getting into and the distinct taste that comes with it. You don't want to be spitting it out faster than you put it in.

Caviar can be quite expensive, depending on the type. Sturgeon caviar, for example, is the most expensive of them all. Sturgeon caviar is so pricey because the fish has been a major target of fisheries and a victim of pollution. As a result, sturgeon prices are continuously escalating.  There are a few cheaper alternatives, though. Salmon and whitefish based caviar are great choices, to name couple, but you will probably notice a difference from the more luxurious Sturgeon caviar.

If you want to Buy Caviar, having some insight as to how those fish eggs made their way into that neat little package or onto to that delicate piece of china might change the way you think about Caviar. It's like the MSNBC specials you may or may not have seen about slaughtering Cattle. Though not quite as gruesome; harvesting fish eggs from a fish's belly isn't a pretty sight.

 

Okay, that aside, Buying Cavier can be a pleasant experience. It's a great gift for someone who least expects it. Most people can't afford to run out and Buy Caviar whenever they want. People plan on the purchase like they would anything with a large sticker price, which is why when it is given as a gift, it's usually for anniversaries, Valentine's Day or Weddings. People with money to spare may splurge on novelty Caviar items; for instance Caviar Donuts. If you're a cat person, the felines will love you forever if you buy Caviar for them!

If you plan on making a trip out east, it's worth it to check out Caviar Russe, one of the finest establishments on the east coast.  Caviar Russe is the top supplier to all chefs in the United States and the entire world. They have several years of experience and expertise in the industry; whether you Osetra Caviar to impress some friends or you want some elite stuff like the high quality Russian Caviar they import direc, Caviar Russe has the best selection around. You know you're getting quality products from Caviar Russe or thousands of customers wouldn't keep coming back.  End your search today for that elusive Iranian Caviar and give them a call; chances are they can locate the exact taste you're after.

 

 

Like any other high profile item, spin-offs are expected. Buying Caviar is somewhat comparable to buying gold. There are different karats of Gold, different combinations and way to present. Caviar is the same in that it can come packaged several different ways and its price range varies depending on the type of fish it came from, the way it's presented and quality of the actual egg. Most people assume 'Caviar is Caviar', which is not the case at all. The way it is packaged varies from extremely dainty, fancy and more of a decoration piece to a see-thru plastic bag with minimal labeling.

Most caviar spoon servings are relatively small and this elegant dish isn't for someone looking to get extremely full. It's a delicacy and should be treated that way. You won't catch someone pounding helpings of Red Caviar or Salmon Caviar, both of which are considered the 'easiest' to eat. Sevruga caviar, which is the smallest sized and most available sturgeon caviar, is the cheapest you'll find on any caviar spoon and you still aren't going to see any caviar eating competitions. That said, I've seen my uncle take back an unhealthy amount of sturgeon caviar; so much I had to leave the room. Personally, I prefer red caviar for it's distinct look and taste while others might dive for the Sevruga Caviar, hidden at the end of the table due to it's typical dark colored appearance.

    

 It's hard to believe that such a thing could develop into one of the most sought after specialty foods in any culture. Some people disagree with the way fishermen go about obtaining the fish eggs. Some are trying new methods in order to let the fish produce more eggs and live a longer life. People who buy caviar usually are of what they are buying and eventually eating. People who never consider buying Caviar sometimes have a misinformed representation of how the Caviar makes its way to fine dining establishments or specialty Caviar Stores. It's not a tube one end that secretes the eggs. It's a very elaborate process to get the Caviar from water to jar. Yes, you are paying a lot for something very small, but people have the wants and will continue to eat and buy caviar as long as it is available.

Iranian Caviar has seen recent sales increases, but Sevruga caviar and Russian caviar still lead the way in terms of sales for most markets. Most people don't get the opportunity to try this unique dish and probably couldn't tell the difference between the two unless they were side by side. Salmon caviar, contrary to popular belief, doesn't taste much like the actual fish itself which is a common entree ordered at restaurants across the nation. One variation that stands alone is the Osetra caviar because of its rich flavor and easy to swallow texture. If you're like most people, the idea of swallowing something extremely salty and slimey doesn't sound very appealing. This is the void that Osetra caviar fills. Going on name alone, Salmon caviar is probably the most recognizable name due to the popularity of salmon fillets and dishes.

  

There definitely connoisseurs of Caviar; people who research, study and try every variation. In this regard, it's similar to wine. Certain Caviars can accompany certain meals and dishes better than others. If you want to buy Caviar for a certain meal or occasion, it might be best to get in touch with someone who has experience in purchasing Caviar for special occasions. You can always 'wing it', but you'll run the risk buying Caviar that doesn't suit your meal well. My advice would be to Buy Caviar like you would buy a car : know what you want, get feedback from an unbiased source and take it for a test drive!