Concept in Definition ABC

Caviar is the way they are called the roe of the sturgeon, a saltwater fish that spawns in rivers and lakes in Europe and Asia. These roe are considered an exquisite delicacy and constitute one of the food most expensive and exclusive that exist.

There are about 25 different varieties of caviar, although the most prominent are three: belluga, sevruga and Russian sturgeon. Lesser substitutes are also marketed. quality facing a market with less purchasing power.

Brief history of caviar

Although many people may think On the contrary, caviar has not always had the status of a rare and high-priced product that it enjoys today.

Introduced to Europe by a Russian sailor in the 18th century, his consumption became popular over time, becoming a notable demand that decimated the population sturgeon in the old continent.

However, in the second half of the 19th century the production of caviar increased dramatically in the United States, reaching the point that it was sold in 55 kg barrels and served in bars to stimulate beer consumption. During this period, the United States became the main exporter of caviar to Europe, surpassing even Russia.

How caviar is served and drunk

When consuming caviar there are a series of recommendations regarding how it should be served and what it should be accompanied with. The first and foremost is that it should be served cold, and in a container that is preferably glass, since a metallic one can alter its flavor. Said container must be located on an ice base so that the product maintains its temperature.

To serve it, a small portion is taken and the caviar is gently placed on a crunchy base, whether toast, biscuit or bread, spreading it as if it were pate, but without crushing it. It is important that the accompaniment is not salty so as not to alter the original flavor of the caviar.

On the other hand, the ideal drink to take with caviar is champagne or cava.

The characteristics that define a quality caviar are: that it does not taste excessively fishy, ​​that its flavor is not too salty, that it has balls that are not too large, whole, and shiny.

Photos: iStock - Lauri Patterson / Rixipix