Caviar is a luxury food made from fish eggs, primarily those of the beluga, osetra, or sturgeon.

Caviar is generally consumed simply to fully appreciate its unique flavours. Avoid cooking it or mixing it into complex dishes to preserve its delicate qualities.

Here is some key information about it:

Type of Caviar
Beluga: The most expensive and rare, with large eggs and a creamy texture.
Osetra: Slightly smaller than beluga with a rich, nutty flavour.
Sevruga Sturgeon: Smaller eggs and a more intense flavour.

Origin
Traditionally, caviar is associated with the Caspian and Black Sea regions, but it is also produced in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe.

Fish eggs are salted and preserved to create caviar. The salting process can vary, influencing the taste and texture of the final product.

Caviar is a delicate delicacy that lends itself to various ways of enjoyment. Here are some traditional accompaniments and ways to enjoy it:

• Blini: Small Russian pancakes, often served warm and slightly buttered, perfect for topping with caviar.
• Buttered Bread: Lightly buttered rye or white bread. Unsalted, soft butter does not mask the flavour of the caviar.
• Crème Fraîche: Adds a creamy and slightly tangy note that complements the texture of the caviar. You can also use cottage cheese or plain yogurt.
• Chopped Onions: Finely chopped and often pickled, they add a crunchy and acidic touch that balances the richness of the caviar.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Cut into small pieces or slices, they add additional softness.
• Potatoes: Small steamed new potatoes can be an elegant accompaniment to caviar.
• Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon: A slight touch of acidity can enhance the flavours of the caviar, but it is important not to overdo it to avoid overpowering the taste of the caviar.
• Champagne or Vodka: For drinks, champagne or vodka are often chosen to accompany caviar, as their light flavours and effervescence complement the richness of the caviar well.

These accompaniments highlight the unique flavour of caviar while adding complementary textures and flavours.

Caviar is often appreciated for its simplicity, but there are a few elegant ways to prepare it to enhance its taste while respecting its delicacy. Here are some tips:

• Serve caviar well chilled. Keep it refrigerated until serving time. It is ideally presented on a bed of ice to maintain a cool temperature.
• Utensils: Use mother-of-pearl, plastic, or wooden spoons to avoid altering the taste of the caviar. Metal spoons can affect the delicate flavours.