Welcome to the world of caviar, a symbol of culinary luxury and refined taste. As the founder of MRAA Caviar, I'm here to guide you through the essentials of appreciating this exquisite delicacy.
What is Caviar?
Caviar is the salt-cured roe of sturgeon, a prized delicacy revered for centuries. While many use the term 'caviar' to describe salt-cured eggs from various fish like salmon or paddlefish, true caviar comes exclusively from sturgeon. The Codex Alimentarius (FAO) recognizes only the roe from the 27 species of sturgeon in the Acipenseridae family as authentic caviar.
Serving Caviar: The Art of Presentation
To fully appreciate caviar's delicate flavors, serving it correctly is crucial. I recommend serving caviar straight from its original tin, placed on a bed of crushed ice. Minimize air exposure by keeping the tin closed until serving and placing the lid back between servings. Use mother-of-pearl, bone, wood, or plastic spoons, as metal can impart an undesirable metallic flavor to the caviar.
How Much Caviar to Serve?
The serving size of caviar can vary. For a pure tasting experience, I suggest 30 grams (1 oz) per person. However, if you're using it as a topping, 15 grams (0.5 oz) should suffice.
Complementing Your Caviar
At MRAA, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality caviar, best enjoyed on its own to fully appreciate its nuanced flavors. For those seeking to incorporate it into recipes, caviar pairs wonderfully with:
- Traditional: Blinis and crème fraiche, topped with a dollop of caviar.
- Potatoes: Any potato preparation complements caviar beautifully.
- Eggs: From boiled to scrambled, eggs and caviar are a classic pairing.
Remember, the subtlety of caviar's flavor is best appreciated with simple ingredients.
The Perfect Drink Pairing
Caviar traditionally pairs well with Champagne, sparkling wine, or ice-cold vodka. Dry white wines and sake also make excellent companions. Feel free to explore and find your perfect match for our Polanco caviar.
Storing Your Caviar
Caviar is perishable and needs careful storage. Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, but never in the freezer. The ideal temperature range is between -4 and +4 °C (25 – 39 ° F). If stored properly, vacuum-sealed caviar can last up to 3 months. Once opened, it should be consumed within 48 hours.
What Does "Malossol" Mean?
"Malossol," meaning "little salt" in Russian, signifies a light salting technique. This minimal salting allows the true flavor of the caviar to shine, a testament to modern preservation methods.
As you delve into the world of caviar, remember it's not just about tasting a delicacy; it's about experiencing a piece of history, culture, and culinary art. Enjoy the journey!