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Caviar should be served very cold, preferably on ice. While purists forgo garnishes, classic accompaniments include minced
onion, sour cream, hard-cooked eggs and a glass of iced vodka or champagne.
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Considered a delicacy throughout the world, caviar is simply sieved and
salted fish
roe (eggs). Frequently served as a garnish, spread or hors
d'oeuvre, caviar is regarded as a luxurious indulgence in the Western
world. But in Russia and other cultures, caviar is a common part of
wedding and holiday feasts.
Varieties
Beluga
The most prized and most expensive, this caviar comes from beluga
sturgeon that swim in Caspian Sea. Its soft, pea-sized eggs range in
color from pale silver to black. Because beluga eggs are the largest, they are also the most fragile.
Osetra
Medium-sized osetra is smaller and firmer than beluga, with gray to
dark brown eggs. With a distinct, nutty taste, many connoisseurs would
argue this caviar is the best.
SevrugaThe smallest variety, sevruga is dark gray in
color with an iodine taste. The eggs open quickly when eaten, bursting
with fine flavor.
SterletExtremely rare, this golden caviar was once reserved for Russian czars and Iranian shahs.
Other popular and less expensive types of caviar include
whitefish (American Golden),
lumpfish and
salmon (red caviar). You may also come across
pressed caviar, a variety comprised of fragile or damaged eggs from several different fish.
Pasteurized caviar is partially cooked and therefore less perishable, but definitely different in texture.
Buying Tips
When buying fresh caviar, look for eggs that are firm, shiny and
separate, with a fresh, briny smell. Some caviar is labeled with the term
malossol. Russian for "little salt", this caviar has been processed with minimum
salt.
Because fresh caviar is extremely perishable, only
buy the amount you need. Keep it cool in an insulated bag on the way
back home from the market.
Storage Tips
For fresh caviar, refrigerate, unopened, for up to one month. Once opened, cover and refrigerate for no more than three days.
Pasteurized caviar may be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, refrigerate and use within three days.
Note: The ideal storage temperature for caviar is about 28ºF (much cooler than
a home refrigerator). To do this, pack the caviar container in a
plastic bag filled with ice. Place the bag in a bowl and store in the
coldest part of the refrigerator. Drain the water and replenish the ice
as needed.
Serving Tips
• Serve caviar very cold, in a bowl surrounded by ice.
• Use utensils made of horn, gold, mother-of-pearl or plastic
rather silver or stainless, which may alter your caviar's taste and
color.
• Eat with toast points and
lemon wedges.
• Garnish with
sour cream, minced
onion and hard-cooked
eggs.
• Add to hot, cooked dishes right before serving.
• Pair with iced vodka or champagne.
Try one of our favorite caviar recipes:
Endive, Caviar and Cream Cheese Appetizers
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
Black and Gold Pizzas
