What Does Caviar Taste Like?

Ever Wondered... What Does Caviar Taste Like? 

If you ask ten or more people to describe the taste of caviar it is reasonable to expect a range of responses.  A little appreciated fact is that the caviar itself rather than the individual preference determines the true answer to the question what does caviar taste like.  For instance, a consummate caviar consumer will tell you that comparing the taste of high quality caviar such as the restricted Beluga (or its close variant, Golden Imperial Osetra), to a $10 caviar from a supermarket shelf is much like contrasting the meat in a fast food burger with a Wagyu steak or the pate of chicken liver with foie gras. 

Caviar traditionally derived from the ancient sturgeons is a rare delicacy of unfertilized roe or fish eggs. On the tongue, the pop of the eggs releases a rich, buttery consistency that incorporates both the olfactory and taste sensors.  According to scientist, when both the sense of smell and taste are engaged, it stimulates the desire to eat.  Eating caviar should deliver a faintly sweet, nutty or indescribable melt in your mouth combination of flavors.

It is also the consensus that any response to “what does caviar taste like” that includes overly salty or excessively fishy correlates to value or treatment. If this is the response, even from people opposed to eating fish, it is safe to say the caviar product being described is either of very poor quality, stale or improperly handled.  It is also important to note that the flavor of caviar that has been exposed to the influence of metallic containers or utensils may be severely compromised.  As such, mastering the fine art of how to eat caviar ultimately creates a distinction in reaction when asked “what does caviar taste like?”

Those who experience the exquisite taste of fresh sturgeon roe, perfectly prepared and properly served typically embrace this highly nutritious luxury cuisine.  Because the connection between how to eat caviar and what does caviar taste like is significant, it is important to consider the following in order to qualify a response.

1. The quality of the caviar being assessed such as the consistency of the size and color of the eggs. For instance, the large mature eggs of fresh Beluga or Ossetra caviar has a firm texture, vibrant color and intense flavor.
2. If the use of mayonnaise coated egg salad or other foods are being used to camouflage the fishy, salty taste of cheap caviar.
3. If the umami of the caviar evokes and is complemented by a delicate hint of fresh ocean air.
4. Is the caviar being consumed at the peak of freshness or after too many days in storage at fluctuating temperatures.
5. An unpleasant metallic taste or odor may be indicative of improper handling of this delicate fare.

Before making a determination as to whether you enjoy caviar or not, it may be helpful if you are just beginning to explore this cuisine to know what exactly you are eating.  Authentic caviar is produced from four types of sturgeons including the beluga, Ossetra, Sterlet and Sevruga. Wild Hackleback Sturgeons that are native to the rivers and lakes of Illinois and Tennessee also produce firm black to dark brown caviar that is similar in texture and flavor to Caspian Ossetra.  Avid caviar consumers also attest to the enjoyment the American Paddlefish and the large nutrient dense and succulent flavor of Alaskan Salmon Roe Caviar.

To buy caviar online visit our Caviar Lover online resource for the best quality, freshest caviar, fish roe foie gras, truffles, other specialty foods, gourmet accessories and gift baskets.  Also, to learn more about this decadent cuisine or for recipes and tips on how to eat caviar take a look at Caviar Lover Facebook page.

The Best Employee Gift Ideas (That Aren’t Fruit and Nuts)

Your Employees Are Tired of the Fruit and Nuts. Here are the Best Employee Gift Ideas 

Whether it’s for a birthday, the upcoming holidays or for a perfect project outcome,employee gift ideas are often elusive. Frankly, most employees expect the typical fruit and nut package or gift certificate. A savvy way to switch things up is with a few non-traditional holiday gift basket ideas. The gift basket ideas for employeesis a unique and thoughtful way to let your staff know that they are appreciated.  It begins with evaluating your options for employee gift ideas and then checking out the range of holiday gift basket ideas that are available. 

While you are shopping around for the perfect employee gift ideas, consider the following options that can be easily personalized to suit your employees taste.

Caviar Lover Employee Gift Ideas

For an elegant gift, select from a number of caviar gift boxes or gourmet gift baskets with cus
tomization options that we are sure will delight the palate of your most highly favored employee. Among others, Caviar Lover offers:

• Prestige Caviar Duo with two ounces each of Royal Imperial Caviar and Imperial Russian Osetra Caviar, two Mother of Pearl Spoons, Russian style blinis and Crème Fraiche completes this ultimate gift.
• Royal Collection Gift Basket includes one ounce each of Royal Imperial and Golden Imperial Osetra Caviar, a Mother of Pearl Server and two spoons, Crème Fraiche, French Blinis, Wild Hibiscus and Fruit Temptation Belgian Milk Chocolate Bar.
• Classic Caviar Duo or Triad gift boxes are crowd favorites. Our Caviar Duo include two ounces each of American Hackleback Turgeon and Royal Siberian Ossetra Caviar, Mother of Pearl Spoons, Blinis and Crème Fraiche.

Our Triad gift box boasts one ounce each of Royal Siberian Osetra Caviar and American Hackleback Sturgeon in addition to the Mother of Pearl spoons, Blinis and Crème Fraiche.

• Gourmet Lovers Gift Basket offers an array of epicurean delights. It includes a diverse collection of gourmet treats such as Summer Truffles, Truffle cream, truffle flour, strawberry, hazelnut and Lemon honey.  Described as “diamonds of gourmet food” our Black Summer Truffles in our gift basket are sliced and preserved in olive oil and salt.  They pair well with tortellini or tagliatelle pasta, pancakes or rice as well as with meat, fish and omelets.  The addition of our scented white truffle flour and summer truffle cream imported from Italy has also been known to inspire elegant gourmet creations.

The rich creamy texture of our Lemon Honey with is infused the juice and tiny bits of lemon pulp.  Our Hazelnut honey’s deep golden tone and caramel texture is derived from the addition of full-bodied hazelnut paste.  Velvety sweet Strawberry Honey heightens the pleasure of anything it tops.

All our honeys are produced in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino in the Italian region of Marche. We’re sure your employee will enjoy the pleasure of drizzling our honeys on toast, desserts, in hot tea or to enhance the flavor of any dish with the essence of honey.

• Gourmet Cooks Gift Basket is an exquisite gift for any employee. It includes everything a gourmet cook needs to explore their creative cooking ideas or to impress their guests such as Black Truffle Olive Oil, Rougie Mousse of Duck Foie Gras, Black Truffle “Tartufata” Sauce, Black Truffle Cream, Honeys that are individually infused with Strawberry, Hazelnut and lemon, Dried Shiitake Mushroom, Porcini Dried Mushroom and Natural Crisp Crackers.

For more employee gift ideas or for holiday gift basket ideas such as our exotic caviar gift basket visit our Caviar Lover online resource.  You can also learn more about caviar and find interesting tips and recipes for using caviar by being a frequent visitor at our Caviar Lover Facebook page.

What Exactly is Fish Roe?

Fish Roe Explained: Fish Roe vs Caviar

The frequent interplay on the words fish roe and caviar often overshadow the unique difference between them.  Thanks to the explosion of information available today, the mystique surrounding caviar has been gradually diminishing.  Also, as prohibitive costs for this cuisine moderate and the consumer base gradually expands, the fish roe vs caviar question naturally comes into focus. 

Fish Roe vs. Caviar

Although for most, fish Roe and caviar essentially describes the same thing, there are subtle variances. The major difference between caviar and fish roe is primarily and foremost with the type of fish.  However, because today’s regular caviar consumer prefers to be educated about the foods they are eating, it is important to clarify the fish roe vs. caviar argument. It is also for this reason that in most restaurants where caviar is on the menu and at caviar online resources, the type of fish where it comes from is always indicated next to the word caviar. However, if the word “caviar” is used as a standalone, especially in upscale restaurants, it is fair to assume that you are being served sturgeon eggs. Likewise; for fish roe, a prefix is always used as an indicator of the type of fish roe being used alternatively as caviar such as…

• Herring Roe (Harius) from Iceland.
• Lumpfish Roe from Iceland is frequently used to garnish appetizers.
• Salmon Roe (Ikura) with its rich orange color and recognizable pop on the tongue.
• Kelp Caviar (Seaweed) provides an alternative caviar source to fish eggs for vegetarians.
• Tobiko Flying Fish Roe is primarily used with sushi
• Trout Roe (France) also referred to as caviar for France.
• Whitefish Caviar which is the golden whitefish whose native habitat is the Great Lakes of North America.

Traditionally, only the eggs of the sturgeon fish found in the Caspian and Black sea was recognized as caviar. As such, when talking about authentic caviar, this refers specifically to the salted fish eggs of the sturgeon.  Over the years however, as different species of this ancient fish are discovered in other regions of the world they too have been qualified to be processed and sold as caviar.  There are approximately 27 different species in the sturgeon population.  The roe of the various species used for producing caviar allow consumers to enjoy variations in size, color and flavor of these exquisite sturgeon eggs no matter which country they come from.

Terminology is another way to provide further explanation for the fish roe vs caviar question.  The term “fish roe” specifically refers to the male fish sperm or eggs.  Caviar on the other hand describes the end-  product after the roe has been salted or cured in preparation for consumption.  In Europe the term “caviar” only refers to sturgeon eggs. Also, marketing specification in Canada and the United States mandate that any product that is labeled “Caviar” alone, must refer solely to sturgeon roe.

Whether it is the highly favored roe of the sturgeon or the fish roe of urchin, shrimp, trout or salmon, these are all nutritionally rich and recognized as delicacies for the discerning palate.

Find the freshest caviar, fish roe and other specialty foods and gourmet accessories atCaviar Lover online resource.  You can also learn more about caviar and find interesting tips and recipes for using caviar by visiting our Facebook page.

Try These 3 Easy Caviar Appetizers!

Recipes Using Caviar: 3 Easy Caviar Appetizers

The great thing about caviar is that you don’t need a lot to make a statement.  As our global community shrinks and the spectrum of interest in caviar broadens, more people are wanting to experience this luxury food. Presenting a tray of appetizers topped with this delicacy has the power make a mundane dining event a little more memorable.  As a result, people are getting more creative about using caviar in recipes.  So, go ahead and wow your guest at the next party or impromptu gathering of friends with these three easy appetizer recipes using caviar.

Salmon and Black Caviar – Create a major wow factor with this super elegant surprisingly simple appetizer recipe using caviar as the main feature.  You can buy caviar online and most of the accessories for this show stopper that will have your friends salivating until your next event.

For this easy recipe with caviar you will need a package of sliced smoked salmon, a jar of black caviar such as the super economic Black Bowfin Roe Caviar or even Black Truffle Caviar, a package of crème fraiche and fresh herb of your choice for garnishing.

Begin designing this appetizer by forming salmon slices into small cones.  Fill the cone shaped salmon with crème fraiche then top with the black caviar.  Garnish with your herb selection.

The key to this recipe using caviar is elegance in presentation. Entertaining guru’s from Party Tipz suggest placing these scrumptious appetizers on a spoon or fork and serve them on a beautiful silver tray.

Caviar Topped Deviled Eggs – This recipe with caviar reintroduces an old favorite with a twist.  Deviled eggs can be safely described as a party comfort food.  Crowning this recipe with caviar immediately heightens its visual and palate appeal.  The good news; adding the caviar is the simplest part of this appetizer.  And, if you buy caviar online, what could be easier than that?

To make this deviled egg recipe using caviar you will need American caviar, six large week old eggs, two tablespoons sour cream or crème fraiche, half of a finely chopped shallot, two tablespoon minced capers and one tablespoon of minced fresh chives or dill, a dash of cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste.  For the caviar you can choose from California Royal White Sturgeon or Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar. These ingredients will yield approximately 12 devilled eggs.

To turn your eggs into a gourmet sensation, the chefs from What’s cooking America suggest that it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.  They also recommend centering the yokes in the eggs by storing them on their sides in the refrigerator for at least twelve hours before cooking. Afterwards, hard-cook the eggs by bringing a pan of water to a simmer before gently placing them in the pan. Cook for 8 minutes.  Drain the eggs and let them cool off until slightly warm in a bucket of ice water before peeling.

After completely removing the shells; chill the eggs in ice water again.  This will retain the vibrant yellow color of the yokes.  Carefully slice eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks.  Using a spatula, push the yolks through a strainer into a bowl.  Add the sour cream or crème fraiche, shallot, capers, chives or cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until creamy.  Fold in additional crème fraiche, if necessary, to achieve a buttery consistency. Pipe the egg yolk mixture into the halved egg white shells.

Be sure to use a mother of pearl spoon to top each devilled egg with a dollop of caviar.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  You can also purchase the gourmet accessories you need when you buy caviar online.

Kettle Cooked Potato with Caviar

This innovative recipe using caviar takes “easy” to a new level.  What could be simpler than topping crisp thin slices of kettle cooked potato chips with a spoonful of crème fraiche and a dollop of caviar.  One caveat however; make it your favorite caviar because it is the star of this appetizer.

For this recipe you will need at least two bags of unsalted Kettle Corn Potato Chips, crème fraiche and imported or domestic caviar of your choice.

Toss the chips on you best china platter if you have one.  Drop a spoonful of crème fraiche randomly over the chips then top the crème fraiche dollops only with little piles of caviar.  For a dramatic finish reserve some of the caviar for chilling on ice nearby.

Find the freshest caviar and other specialty foods such as foie gras, truffles, Spanish Saffron Filament Threads or gourmet gift baskets to name a few at Caviar Lover online resource.  You can also learn more about caviar discounts and tips by joining our Caviar Lover Facebook page.