A Beginner's Guide to Caviar

Those who appreciate caviar's unique qualities and refined taste can enjoy luxurious meals with rich flavors and unmatched textures. The first time you try caviar, take in the cool pearls that hit your tongue, and take note of the clean, briny, buttery taste. It's smooth and sharp all at once.

This beginner's guide to caviar explains the types of caviar, how to choose between them, and how to serve the delicacy just right.

What Is Caviar?

Caviar is special salt-cured, unfertilized fish eggs that come exclusively from the sturgeon species. It is one of the oldest known delicacies and was traditionally a food only the wealthy or royal could experience. Authentic caviar has a firm texture and a clean, rich flavor that is not overly salty or fishy. Gold-standard caviar is also preserved via the malossol method, which means "little salt." The light cure preserves freshness, enhances texture, and keeps the flavor bright and pure.

Because wild sturgeon is endangered, the best caviar comes from carefully managed farms that mimic natural habitats and raise sturgeon slowly to protect both the species and ecosystem. Purchasing your caviar from a direct-to-consumer seller ensures you get fresh products, better pricing, and better quality. You are getting it cold, clean, and close to the source.

Guide to Caviar Types 

There are only a handful of caviar types that represent the majority of the high-end market. You can explore these beginner caviar types to discover what you like most:

• Beluga: This caviar is widely known as the most prestigious caviar in the world. However, because overfishing has left a low number of fish behind, obtaining Beluga pearls is illegal in the United States. 
• Ossetra: These firm pearls glisten in shades of gold, amber, brown, and jade. Well-loved, Ossetra caviar follows closely behind Beluga in prestige and has a buttery and long finish. 
• Sevruga: It can be challenging to obtain Sevruga caviar in its truest form, which combines Siberian sturgeon, Sterlet, and Sevruga caviar. If you can find real Sevruga caviar, it offers delicate beads and a buttery, long finish.
• Kaluga: Freshwater Kaluga can satisfy your craving for the feel and flavor of authentic Beluga. While the taste is saltier, this caviar's smooth texture places it on many favorite lists. 
• American: Affordable American white sturgeon and hackleback caviar is available throughout the country. Either option makes an excellent caviar for beginners, thanks to their wide availability and affordable price.

Serving and Eating Caviar

Serving and eating caviar is a delightful experience. Although some may have strong opinions about which method is best, there's no truly right or wrong way to do either. We recommend serving your caviar straight from the fridge, ideally nestled in a bowl of crushed ice. Never freeze it, as that will ruin the texture. Glass, porcelain, mother-of-pearl, or plastic bowls are best. Metal bowls react with the eggs and impart a metallic taste. The same goes for spoons. Opt for mother-of-pearl, wood, gold, or plastic.

If you're serving guests, keep each portion between one-half and one ounce per person. Encourage your guests to marvel at the explosive flavors in each bite. 

What to Pair With Caviar

Caviar shines when it's the star, so keep pairings classic. The taste of caviar is buttery, with a slight fishiness. It may remind you of raw oysters with a richer flavor. You may also notice a nutty, bright, or smooth flavor wave as you eat. Consider serving caviar with blinis or thin toast point slices with butter. For a casual-luxe option, combine caviar with a kettle chip or slice of brioche. Alternatively, you can eat caviar straight off the spoon or do a "caviar bump" off the back of your hand. Let the caviar roll across your tongue so that you can taste the subtle brine, creaminess, and clean finish.

Caviar can elevate many delicious recipes, and its unique flavors make caviar an excellent pairing with buttery foods and savory treats such as:

• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Smoked salmon
• Cheese
• Veggies
• Fruits
• Chocolate

You can also find delicious drinks to complement your caviar. Vodka and Champagne are classic drink pairings for this delicacy, but you can also consider a dry white wine, porter, or amber ale. A dirty martini with a caviar bump on the side is perfect, too.

How to Store Caviar

Once you wrap up your event, you may still have some caviar left over. To maintain freshness and ensure your caviar lasts, you'll need to store it immediately. Leaving your caviar in a room-temperature environment can impact its taste and quality. 

Keep caviar between 28 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest part of your fridge. You can store unopened tins for up to three weeks, but you should aim to finish the tin within 48 hours after opening. Limit room temperature exposure as much as possible, as caviar can start to spoil after two hours.

How to Select Quality Caviar

Pearl size is a key indicator of quality. Larger eggs from older, more mature sturgeon are rarer and more desirable. These eggs have a firmer shell, a richer taste, a glossy look, and a uniform appearance. Caviar is graded into two tiers, although the specific terms may vary between distributors:

• Grade 1: Large, intact, and firm eggs with consistent coloring.
• Grade 2: Smaller, softer, and less uniform caviar that is less refined but still delicious.

Great caviar is minimally processed — just roe and a touch of salt. Steer clear of added preservatives like borax or heavy pasteurization. They extend shelf life but flatten flavor and ruin texture. 

Explore the Best Caviar for Beginners From Imperia Caviar

When it comes to caviar, one taste is all it takes. When you buy sustainably sourced caviar, serve it cold, and keep pairings simple, you will taste the difference. 

At Imperia Caviar, we take great care to package our caviar so you can always receive completely safe, delicious caviar. We boast five-star reviews from thousands of satisfied customers, thanks to our sustainable farming practices and direct-to-consumer offerings. This also ensures you get the best price for high-quality caviar. Whether you're a caviar connoisseur or trying it for the first time, you want to experience the best caviar you can find. Shop online now — the best is within reach.