The Ultimate Guide to Buying Caviar

Whether you are new to the world of caviar or consider yourself a connoisseur, buying Russian caviar for the first time can be intimidating. As one of the most sought after delicacies in the world, there are many people who are happy to sell inferior or even fake caviar to those who don't know the difference. With a few tips and a little knowledge, anyone can buy high quality Russian caviar.



Caviar is the perfect treat to add sophistication to any occasion. It makes a great appetizer for holidays, to serve during parties, and for many other important occasions. Since some occasions might warrant superior caviar than others, it is important to know all that you can about the different Russian caviars before you buy.



Russian caviar comes in three main types: Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga. Beluga caviar is the most expensive and is prized for its delicate flavor. Though still expensive, the lower priced Osetra has a delectable nutty flavor. Finally, Sevruga caviar is the least expensive of the three, but boasts the strongest flavor. Other less expensive varieties can be found from other parts of the world. These include roe from salmon, lumpfish, and whitefish, though they are considered to be imitations since authentic caviar only come from sturgeon caught in the Caspian Sea.



Selecting good caviar can be difficult if you don't know what to look for. High grade caviar is the most sought after and contains roe that is large in size and light in color. It should also be packaged with Malossal, an indictor the caviar has been stored with a minimal amount of salt. Before you buy Russian caviar, ask the retailer if you may test a sample of the product. This is the best way to judge the quality before purchasing.



When it comes to caviar, fresh is best. For this reason, caviar should be bought during the sturgeon spawning seasons of spring and fall. As fresh caviar will only last two to four weeks before it spoils there is only a short period to obtain it. After this time, the lesser quality semi-preserved and pressed caviars will be more readily available.

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There are two main ways to buy caviar : at a specialty shop or online. The best specialty shops are those that are recommended by friends. The next time that you taste caviar that you like, ask the host where they bought it. If you decide to buy caviar online instead, there are many reputable stores to purchase it from. Stores that have been recommended by knowledgeable websites are a good place to start your search. If you are still unsure about an online store that sells caviar, email the company with any questions you may have. Judge their response time and willingness to help as a sign of their business's credibility. Finally, make sure that the caviar you buy can be delivered within twenty fours hours so that it is fresh when you receive it.



Whether you want to buy Sevruga caviar or a caviar gifts for the holidays, knowing what you want and knowing the right questions to ask will ensure that get your money's worth. It can be as easy as knowing what good caviar looks like and asking your friends to recommend quality stores to buy from. Once you find a seller that you trust, whether online or otherwise, you will be well on your way to serving the quality caviar that your occasion and budget requires.