FAQ
What makes black caviar so special?
Black caviar is a delicacy that offers a complete set of amino acids, including glutamic and aspartic acids, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, manganese, iodine, silicon and zinc. It is also rich in approximately 30% of valuable proteins, 10-12% of digestible fat, and natural lecithin of non-plant origin (from 2.0 to 43%) making it a valuable source of nutrition.
How do you select the best black caviar?
Traditionally, only sturgeon fish species’ roe was called “black caviar,” but currently, many products labelled “black caviar” are not genuine. Some are pike roe dyed with food coloring, while others are roe of the Bowfin. Therefore, when buying black caviar in the market, ensure the label says it is a caviar of sturgeon fish to avoid purchasing an inferior product. Moreover, all sturgeon caviar containers, whether in domestic or international trade, must bear a non-reusable label that provides information about the source and country of origin. The color can range from grey, black, brown, or bronze, with different shades. However, light or dark spots are acceptable, and the grains must be easy to separate.
What is the difference between pasteurized and non-pasteurized black caviar?
When it comes to caviar, the difference between pasteurized and non-pasteurized varieties significantly impacts taste and shelf life. Non-pasteurized caviar undergoes minimal processing and retains its pure, tender flavor. Meanwhile, pasteurized caviar undergoes gentle thermal treatment to extend its shelf life while preserving its delicate taste.
At our company, we pride ourselves on using only salt as a preservative and offer both non-pasteurized and pasteurized options. The shelf life of our non-pasteurized caviar is 2.5 months, while our pasteurized caviar can last up to 8 months. Both options contain the same amount of salt, typically 3-5%.
What preservatives are used in black caviar production?
There is a common misconception that preservatives are necessary to keep caviar fresh. Pasteurization is an alternative that does not significantly alter the product’s characteristics but kills bacteria, extending the caviar’s shelf life. Furthermore, modern technologies allow packing containers under a vacuum, allowing pasteurized eggs to last several months. However, some manufacturers still use preservatives like Borax (E-285, boric salt), which can have toxic effects on internal organs when regularly consumed. Therefore, when purchasing black caviar, ensure it contains no preservatives other than salt.
What is the typical shelf life of black caviar?
We understand that the shelf life of caviar is an important consideration for many of our customers. That’s why we offer two different types of caviar with varying shelf lives. Our non-pasteurized caviar CLASSIC has a shelf life of 2.5 months, while our pasteurized caviar MALOSSOL can last up to 8 months. To ensure the best storage conditions for our caviar, we recommend keeping non-pasteurized caviar WITHOUT preservatives at a temperature from -2 -4 °C for 2.5 months. For non-pasteurized caviar WITH preservatives, a temperature from 0 ° to + 6 ° C for 6 months is suitable. It’s important to carefully study the contents of caviar before making your purchasing choice. Also, remember to check the shelf life and storage conditions to ensure the best quality and taste.
How can I tell if my black caviar is the real deal?
When shopping for caviar, being aware of imitation products is important. Just because a product is labelled as caviar and appears black doesn’t necessarily mean it comes from sturgeon fish species. Imitation caviar products can be made using various ingredients and special equipment. For example, some manufacturers use protein/agar/gelatin to create “caviar” products that are not true caviar. Other imitations may use Bowfin roe, which is black in color but comes from a different fish species and has a different taste and quality.
Some manufacturers may even use sturgeon decoration elements in their packaging design to mislead consumers. To avoid being deceived, always check the label and do your research before making a purchase.
At our company, we pride ourselves on offering only the best quality caviar from Russian sturgeon, Sterlet, and Bester (a hybrid of beluga and Sterlet). We avoid using imitation ingredients and offer only the finest caviar for our customers.
