How to Eat & Serve Caviar
What is Caviar?
Caviar is a luxurious delicacy that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It is made from the eggs of sturgeon fish, and is often served on special occasions and at high-end restaurants. However, many people are intimidated by caviar and don't know how to eat it properly. In this blog post, we will explore the best way to eat caviar.
Choosing the Right Caviar
When it comes to caviar, it is important to choose the right type. There are many different varieties of caviar available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The most prized caviar comes from the most sought out sturgeon species, such as Beluga, Osetra, Royal Baerii and White Sturgeon Caviar.
When selecting caviar, always look for fresh and glossy eggs that are not too salty. Avoid any sturgeon caviar that is watery and over salted, as this may indicate that it’s not fresh or of low quality. It’s also important to purchase caviar from a reputable supplier to ensure that it is of high quality and is abiding by all the laws & regulations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and CITES.
Serving Caviar
It should be served chilled, ideally place the tin of caviar in a caviar dish with crushed ice. You can view several eye catching caviar dishes & spoons by Michael Aram on our Accessories page.
When serving caviar, it is traditional to use special utensils known as a mother-of-pearl spoons & dishes. This is because metal and wooden utensils can react with the caviar, altering the taste and texture. If a mother-of-pearl spoon is not available, a plastic or glass spoon can be used as an alternative.
How Much Caviar To Serve
Serving portions will depend on how you are serving the caviar.
For garnishing dishes, a full tablespoon (5-10 grams) will be a sufficient amount.
For topping off blinis or crackers, we recommend approximately 3-5 grams.
For Events or Parties, on average 25-30 grams of caviar will be consumed per person. So for example, a party with 10 guests will require approximately 250-300 grams of caviar.
View chart below for general portion sizes
Storing Caviar
For long term storage, make sure the tin has never been opened. You can store it in a residential fridge for up to 6-8 weeks. If your fridge can maintain a stable temperature of -2 to +4 degree celsius like most commercial fridges, then the unopened tin of caviar can last for up to 3-5 months or before the best before date.
After a tin of caviar is opened, it should be consumed within 48-72 hours.
For short term storage, make sure to close the lid and place the tin in the refrigerator.
How to close the lid? Place the tin on a hard surface, press firmly with the palm of your hand until you hear a clicking/popping sound. Remember, the tin is not vacuum sealed anymore and cannot be stored long term as if it was a new and unopened tin of caviar.
Eating Caviar
To eat caviar, take a small spoonful and place it on your tongue. Allow the eggs to rest on your tongue for a few moments, allowing the flavor to develop. Then, gently press the eggs against the roof of your mouth to release the flavor, before finally swallowing. When having caviar alone, it’s nice to finish off the tasting experience with a shot of your favourite Vodka or glass of Champagne. We recommend Belvedere, Stolichnaya, Grey Goose, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon, or any other high end Vodka or Champagne.
It is important not to chew caviar, as this can damage the delicate texture of the eggs. Instead, savor the flavor and texture of the caviar by allowing it to dissolve in your mouth.
Caviar can also be enjoyed with accompaniments such as Blinis (small, savory pancakes), Crème Fraîche (a sour cream-like condiment), chopped onions, grated eggs and Caviar Butter.
For the best results, toast the Blinis lightly in the oven or toaster, then apply unsalted butter or Crème Fraîche and top it off with your favourite Sturgeon Caviar. Serve and enjoy with your loved ones!
With these recommendations above, you will ensure your dinner party or special occasion will be a guaranteed success!
We ship caviar regularly to Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and etc.
View our exclusive sturgeon caviar selection below.
