The wild capture of sturgeon is now prohibited and only sturgeon from aquaculture may be sold. The Siberian sturgeon, a purely freshwater fish, played a pioneering role in sturgeon farming in aquaculture. Breeders of Russian and Siberian sturgeon reported initial successes in caviar production from sturgeon farms. In the meantime, there has also been good success with Beluga and Ossietra sturgeon in European and Asian plants. Even professionals can often no longer distinguish the farmed Beluga and Ossietra caviar from the wild catch.
Fresh caviar smells of the sea and salt, has its own delicate smell and shiny, loosely sparkling grains. Light caviar, iridescent between grey, silver-grey to golden brown, is more valuable. The ideal storage temperature for fresh caviar is -2 °C. Lower temperatures would change the taste and texture of the grains. Fresh caviar is usually packaged in cans. Depending on the type of can, it can be kept for six weeks or longer if stored ideally.
The ingredients of caviar
Caviar is rich in protein (25 to 30%). a high proportion of essential amino acids, contains approx. 16% fat. Caviar is rich in vitamins, containing vitamins D, E, B12 and B3 and the minerals iodine and sodium. It has a high cholesterol content.
Caviar types available today
All caviar offers legally available on the market must come from aquaculture. The following are now available: Beluga, Osietra, Sevruga, imperial and Salmon Caviar (Keta)
Serving suggestion for real caviar
Caviar is always served cool. The classic side dishes are buckwheat blinis (very small pancakes) with sour cream, baked potatoes or potato pancakes with cream fraiché. There are now no limits to the imagination. Side dishes with a strong taste of their own would mask the delicate taste of the caviar. Caviar should not come into contact with metal or silver, which oxidizes and destroys the taste. Small spoons made of mother-of-pearl, horn or tortoiseshell are preferably used. The drinks that go well with caviar are typically Vodka, or dry, cold white wine.
Keta Caviar
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