How to Buy Caviar

Tips on buying caviar

1. As with most unprocessed foods, the cardinal rule is to buy fresh caviar. Fresh is always best. Some caviars are semi-pasteurized to extend their shelf life, but nothing beats fresh caviar.
2. True caviars come from the sturgeon once endemic to the Caspian Sea. This is why Caviar connoisseurs prefer Russian and Iranian brands, as both of these nations border the sea. However, the sturgeon is now endangered, so caviar lovers have turned their taste buds elsewhere.
3. Only the eggs of sturgeon can be called caviar, much in the same way that only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can be called champagne. There is, however, true caviar from American sturgeon. Caviars from other fish must be labeled as such. For instance, there is "whitefish caviar," "paddlefish caviar" and "salmon roe caviar." None of these may be labeled simply "caviar."
4. It is not easy to find a store that sells caviar. It is even harder to find one that lets you sample it. If possible, however, you should sample before buying because not all caviars are the same. The variations among sturgeon caviars alone is wide and important. Beluga sturgeon are the biggest and the rarest caviar producers. Next are the Osetra, followed by the Sevruga. Within each sturgeon species, there is a range of caviars produced. For instance, the Osetra can produce a yellow roe that is rare enough to be called Royal Caviar. The Osetra also produces brown caviars in more abundance.
5. Caviars range in color from yellow to dark brown to gray to black. They can taste salty, nutty, buttery and be mild or strong. Caviars can also cost a good deal of money. So, in addition to considering the flavor you like best, you also may want to keep track of how expensive it will be to please your taste buds. This is especially important if you are planning on serving the caviar to more than two people, as you will need to spend more.

Caviar Caveat

Always ask or read about the "shelf life" of the caviar you are purchasing. Some caviars can sit on a shelf unopened for some time. Others must be refrigerated right away. All are meant to be eaten sooner rather than later. Don't let your purchase spoil.

Where to buy caviar

Several quality retailers offer varieties of Caviar online. Order caviar from one of these sources-

• Tsar Nicoulai sells only caviar obtained through sustainable methods. Based in California, Tsar Nicoulai offers caviar farmed in that state, in Romania and in Russia. Also find flavor-infused whitefish roe.

• Fine Caviar displays its offering of Russian and American caviars. Buy a gift set, as well as accompaniments like blinis can crème fraiche.

• Find different types of all three sturgeon caviars at Caviar Ideas. Also sample an array of American fish caviars.