Household consumption of caviar is growing rapidly due to the increasing availability of caviar through online platforms like Attilus Caviar, allowing consumers to recreate restaurant-quality dining experiences at home. The ability to buy caviar online has made high-quality caviar more accessible, expanding the market beyond traditional gourmet retailers and high-end restaurants.

What is Black Caviar?

Caviar is the roe of sturgeon fish, prized for its exquisite taste and luxurious texture. A symbol of opulence and fine dining, it is not only a delicacy but also a highly nutritious food. The quality and value of caviar are determined by factors such as pearl size, texture, color, and taste. Lightly salted caviar, known as Malossol, is particularly esteemed for its delicate flavor.

Black caviar refers to all types of caviar harvested from sturgeon species, with eggs ranging from medium to large and a bright marine flavor. Traditionally sourced from the Caspian Sea, it is also produced in fish farms under controlled conditions.

Beyond its culinary appeal, caviar is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B6, B12, and E, iron, and selenium, which contribute to heart health, cognitive function, and immune system support. Its exceptional nutritional profile makes it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Let’s explore the different types of black caviar.

1. Beluga Caviar

Beluga caviar comes from the Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso), which can grow up to 6 meters long and weigh over 1,500 kilograms. It is widely regarded as the rarest and most sought-after type of caviar. It boasts a rich, buttery, and creamy flavor. 

• Taste: Rich, buttery, and creamy; mild hazelnut undertones; distinctive clean taste.
• Colour: Light grey and brown pearls with a bright glimmer.
• Texture: Soft and luxurious; melts in the mouth.
• Pearl size: 3-4 millimeters.

2. Oscietra Caviar

Oscietra caviar comes from the Oscietra sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), which can grow more than 2 meters long and weigh up to 100 kilograms. It can be found in the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Azov Sea. Oscietra caviar is the most popular high-end caviar, known for its complex and nutty flavor profile.

• Taste: Smooth and buttery; complex and nutty; a long finish; delicate taste.
• Colour: Various shades of gold, amber, brown, and jade.
• Texture: Firm pearls; complex mouthfeel; burst on the palate to release a rush of flavor.
• Pearl size: Around 2.7-3 millimeters.

3. Siberian (Baerii) Caviar

Baerii caviar comes from the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii), which grows up to 2 meters long and weighs around 50 kilograms.

• Taste: Smooth and creamy; indulgent and luxurious; oyster-like brininess.
• Colour: Light browns and deep blacks.
• Texture: Medium-sized eggs with a soft and delicate texture.
• Pearl size: Around 2.5-2.75 millimeters.

4. Sevruga Caviar

Sevruga caviar comes from the Sevruga sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus), which grows up to 1.5 meters long and weighs around 30 kilograms. It is a smaller fish of the sturgeon family found in the Caspian, Black, and Aegean seas. Sevruga caviar is known for its full-bodied briny, nutty, clean, and crisp flavor with a smooth, velvety texture.

• Taste: Intense and complex; full-bodied briny, nutty, clean, and crisp flavor.
• Colour: Distinctive steel grey hue; pearlescent shine.
• Texture: Delicate texture; smooth and velvety.
• Pearl size: Around 2 millimeters.

5. Kaluga Caviar

Kaluga caviar comes from the Kaluga sturgeon (Huso dauricus), which can grow up to 5 meters long and weigh over 1,000 kilograms. It is found in various river basins and seas around Asia. 

• Taste: Buttery and smooth; hints of nuttiness; balanced salinity.
• Colour: Dark gray to light brown.
• Texture: Large and firm pearls; delicate pop in the mouth.
• Pearl size: Around 3 millimeters.

6. Amur Fusion Caviar

Amur Fusion Caviar comes from a hybrid of the Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) and the Kaluga sturgeon (Huso dauricus). The Amur sturgeon can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh around 150 kilograms. This caviar is one of the most popular varieties among chefs worldwide, offering a great balance of different flavors. 

• Taste: Bold yet balanced; creamy with a slight nutty finish; mild saltiness.
• Colour: Amber brown, olive green with hints of gold.
• Texture: Medium-firm pearls; smooth and slightly creamy.
• Pearl size: Around 2.5-3 millimeters.

7. Sterlet Caviar

Sterlet caviar comes from the Sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus), which grows around 1 meters long and weighs up to 16 kilograms. It resembles Sevruga caviar in taste but has smaller eggs. 

Pearl size: Around 1.5-2 millimeters.

Taste: Mildly briny; slightly sweet; smooth umami flavor.

Colour: Dark grey to black.

Texture: Smallest and delicate pearls; smooth and silky.