Caviar: Drops of Delight

Michael Mina Caviar Parfait
Chef Michael Mina's Caviar Parfait

The drama and culinary delight of caviar bring an Old World elegance to any meal. Here's what you need to know to bring caviar into your home, whether your budget is that of a pauper or a king. 

The Basics of Caviar

To carry the name, Champagne must come from a specific region of France. To earn its name, caviar must come from one of three sturgeon breeds (there are 27 worldwide) from the Caspian sea. There are great sparkling wines that are not "Champagne," and there are great fish roes that are not "caviar," but provide an enjoyable facsimile.

Sturgeon caviars share certain flavor characteristics across the breeds (varietals); a taste of the sea similar to the juice of a perfectly fresh oyster, a taste of brine, and occasionally a metallic finish. Varietal flavors differ fish by fish and tin by tin.  Each fish's diet, environment, maturity and time of harvest affect the flavor and texture of the eggs. How quickly the eggs are processed, how much salt is used, and how they are cured affect the product. Iranians, for example, use brine, while Russians stir salt in directly.

Serving & Enjoying Caviar

Mother of pearl is the best way to serve caviar. Silver should not be used, as it passes on a metallic taint, but stainless steel, horn, wood and even plastic will do. Accouterments appear abundantly around caviar, perhaps to distract from the minutia of the main dish. But to appreciate caviar's distinct flavors, allow it to stand alone. A spoonful placed on your tongue and crushed against the roof of your mouth should deliver a firm pop and a delightful burst of flavors. Mushy or gooey texture indicates problems in processing or age. And lest you forget, caviar has long been considered an aphrodisiac, so keep that in mind if you're planning a romantic culinary romp.

Caviar from Petrossian

Caviar Varieties

True Caviars (Imported) - Wild or Farmed

Beluga - The largest freshwater fish on earth produces the largest caviar. Ball-bearing-sized eggs from dark gray to black. Currently illegal in the U.S., the Beluga is in danger of extinction. ($ N/A)

Ossetra - The "Russian" Sturgeon's eggs are the size of BBs. All the colors of camouflage, from brownish gray to dark olive. Flavors range from creamy, almost custardy, to nutty. Salty richness and a taste of the sea. ($200-241 per oz.)

Sevruga - The "Persian" Sturgeon produces small "pinhead" black or dark gray eggs, and some connoisseurs prefer it to Beluga for the more intense flavors. "Fresh, smooth taste," according to Paramount Caviar. Currently in short supply in the U.S. ($222-241 oz.)

Favorites: With Russian imports banned, wild Iranian caviar is the quality king, but farmed production from Europe
is close behind.

U.S. Domestic Caviars (Farmed)

Ossetra - White Sturgeon (aka Transmontanus) produces America's "Ossetra." Similar to imported, but rounder and creamier. California Ossetra is typically "graded" by size and color, more for appearance than flavor.

Hackleback Sturgeon - Black, tiny, glistening, pin-head beads. Smooth and custardy, with a slight nuttiness and pleasant salt. Often a favorite for those new to caviar.

Paddlefish (aka Spoonbill) Sturgeon - Sometimes called "American-style Sevruga". Gray to olive green color, small beads. Sharper flavor than Hackleback, favoring salt and sea to cream and egg.

Favorites: Sterling (also marketed as Petrossian) and Tsar Nicoulai, Domestic Ossetra represents excellent value,
85% of the flavor for 1/3 the price. Hackleback and Paddlefish are a small step down in quality for an even bigger
step down in price.


Champagne and vodka are tradition-bound choices, but add little beyond ritual. Great champagne and great caviar taste better apart than together.

Saké pairs wonderfully as it should, once we remember that caviar is seafood. The sweetness of ice wines produces a wonderful offset to caviar's salt, as does a chilled Château Julien Rosato.

Roe - Caviar's Cousin

Trout - Pale orange ball-bearing-size beads. Light flavor reminiscent of smoked trout. Firm casing and pleasant liquid burst.
Salmon - Brighter orange (think jello) and stronger flavor than trout. Fish and salt with notes of lox. "Keta" salmon roe (aka "red caviar") is still available from Russia.
Whitefish - Tiny, pin tip, crunchy eggs. Vapid flavor, so this roe is typically infused.

Pairings: Beer brings a nice counterpoint to the smoked fish flavors.

Infused Roes

Simple roes with flavor added - Caviar's spirited cousin, twice removed.

Beet & Saffron Whitefish - Naturally infused red color. Hint of saffron and tiny tad of beet in a salt brine.
Wasabi Whitefish - Pale green. Strong blast of wasabi flavor. Make this your last taste.
Ginger Whitefish - Pale yellow. Ginger is dominant without overpowering.
Truffled Whitefish - Burnished brown. Pleasant truffle flavor. Begs for creative presentation.

Pairings: Infused roes offer novelty and flexibility, creating pairings as varied as your imagination. Wasabi
and ginger roe pair well with English stout (Samuel Smith's) and saké (Momokawa Diamond).

Caviar Purveyors

Follow the links below for the official website of these fine caviar purveyors.

Browne Trading
Tsar Nicoulai