Sturgeon caviar. The legend of the precious seas

Sturgeon caviar

Sturgeon or beluga caviar is one of the rarest, finest and most expensive caviars in the world. It is a luxury product associated with fine dining and lifestyle, and a source of pride for the Middle Eastern and Northern European countries from whose waters it is harvested.

Caviar is a fish egg that is processed in special ways to give it a creamy texture and distinctive flavor. Among the species of fish that produce caviar, the beluga sturgeon is one of the most highly prized and recognized.

Where are sturgeon found?

The sturgeon is characterized by its large, long body, weighing more than 100 kilograms. They have rich, fatty meat and large eggs that are rich in fat and protein, providing an ideal raw material for the production of the finest caviar. 

These huge fish are native to the cold, brackish waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caspian Sea, the Khazar Sea, and the coasts of Norway, Canada, and Alaska.

During the spring, sturgeon migrate thousands of kilometers to warmer waters near shore to spawn and lay eggs.

How are sturgeon caught and harvested?

 The sturgeon fishing and egg harvesting season begins in May and lasts for about two months, coinciding with the sturgeon's spawning period.

 Sturgeon are caught using either huge nets or long lines attached to hundreds of baits that attract the fish.

Once a fish is caught, it is lifted onto the boat and anesthetized to calm it down. Skilled fishermen then carefully empty its belly in search of egg sacs that are relatively small in size, like grapes.

Egg processing and preparation methods: 

Once the egg extraction process is completed, the caviar processing stages begin immediately to preserve its quality:

• Washing and cleaning: The egg sacs are thoroughly washed with clean water to remove any blood or mucus from the fish's belly. 
• Salting: Eggs are then placed in balanced salt solutions in specific proportions to keep them from spoiling, as the salt absorbs moisture from the eggs and dries them out

The salt ratios vary depending on tradition, up to 10% in Russia, while in Iran it is only 4-5%, for example. 

During this time, the caviar loses about 15% of its original weight due to fluid loss during the maturation process, but its nutritional value doubles.

 Not all sturgeon eggs are of equal quality, and the grade and value of caviar varies depending on which part of the fish's belly the eggs came from:

 Historically, fishermen and caviar producers have adopted the following division of egg parts in terms of quality:

Béluga Black Caviar

This is the rarest and most expensive caviar of all, extracted from the lower part of the fish's belly near the spawning hole. 

Black caviar is characterized by its deep, dark gray color, very rich flavor, and creamy, soft texture.

 Hills Caviar 

Medium-quality caviar comes from the center of the sturgeon's belly, the area most abundant in eggs. 

It is golden-brown in color, and the flavor is rich but less concentrated than black caviar.

Tail Caviar 

As the name implies, this is caviar from the outer, near-tail part of the fish. 

It has a lower quality grade and a more economical price, with a slightly weaker flavor.

Frequently asked questions about sturgeon caviar:
1. What is sturgeon caviar?

Sturgeon caviar is fish eggs, specifically beluga sturgeon eggs, and is one of the rarest, finest and most expensive caviars in the world.

2. Where is sturgeon caviar extracted from?

Sturgeon caviar is extracted from sturgeon fish that live in cold, brackish waters in areas such as the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caspian Sea, the Khazar Sea, and the coasts of Norway, Canada, and Alaska.

3. What are the types of caviar according to quality standards?

The grade and value of caviar varies based on which part of the fish's belly this egg was taken from. This includes black caviar, ridge caviar, and tail caviar, with each type having its own distinctive characteristics.

4. How is sturgeon caviar used in cooking?

 Sturgeon caviar is typically used as a gourmet food supplement, adding it to dishes such as tapas, pastries, and appetizers. It can also be used to prepare sushi and cold appetizers.

5. Does sturgeon caviar have health benefits? 

Sturgeon caviar is a rich source of proteins and essential fatty acids such as omega-3, which are considered beneficial for cardiovascular health. 

6. What is the price of sturgeon caviar? 

The price of sturgeon caviar varies according to its type and quality, and black caviar is considered one of the most expensive and rare types, while the price of ridge and tail caviar is relatively lowe