 Beluga The most expensive and produced by the largest species, which can weigh up to 1000 kg. (2200 lbs.). The eggs are light gray to almost black, firm, heavy, and well separated. They are the largest most precious eggs.
Osetra Characterized by smaller more even grains, which are golden yellow to light brown and quite moist. It is considered by many as the best.
Sevruga Spawned by small sturgeons, which are the most prolific and produce small light gray to dark gray eggs. This is the least expensive type of caviar.
Serving suggestions: Remove the caviar from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. The lid should be removed at the last moment.
The ideal presentation is to offer the whole tin on a bed of crushed ice. Allow at least one ounce per person. Carefully, so as not to break the grains, it should be spooned onto a chilled plate.
The caviar should be eaten with a fork. You can serve caviar with pieces of bread that have been lightly toasted (to preserve softness) and then quickly spread with butter. Above all, never sprinkle the caviar with lemon or serve garnished with chopped egg, onion, or sour cream as they alter the taste and distract from the pure flavor of caviar. These condiments should be saved for other less expensive grades of caviar.
A small glass of iced vodka is the ideal companion. It is very important not to spoil your palate with anything but the most pure vodka. It is a matter of personal taste whether you drink champagne or other spirits with caviar. Many people swallow caviar whole, but to fully appreciate the flavor you should "break" the eggs with the tip of your tongue against your palate in order to savor the flavor in your mouth.
Unopened, a container of fresh caviar may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks. Once it is opened, it is highly perishable and should be eaten right away. Never keep caviar in a freezer.
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