What is caviar? For some people it might sound foreign when they hear the word “caviar”. Caviar is a food that is believed to be very expensive. Even so, the content in it is very much and beneficial to the health of the body.
Then, what makes this one food expensive? And where does it come from and how is it processed? Here’s a further explanation.
Origin of Caviar
Caviar is a food made from certain fish eggs, generally sturgeon fish, which have been processed and salted. These foods are commercially marketed as luxury foods. Apart from that, this caviar is usually used as a complement to a dish.
Caviar has various types with different price ranges. Each price of this caviar really depends on the quality and also the type of caviar itself. The price of caviar is estimated to be around IDR 1,549,000 to IDR 3,484,000 . This price is usually sold in 30 grams . Although the price is expensive, caviar has a very delicious taste.
The highest quality caviar is harvested when the female sturgeon is ready to spawn. Then, when out in the wild, sturgeons that are about to spawn usually move from salt water to creeks. Here, it’s time for them to be caught.
Meanwhile, female sturgeon fish in the farm are usually monitored using a special machine to find out when the eggs are ready to be harvested. The number of eggs produced in one harvest can vary. The difference is usually seen from the size of the sturgeon.
In general, the most abundant black caviar comes from the caviar of the Caspian sea sturgeon in Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, the most expensive types of caviar are the Beluga, Ossetra and Sevruga varieties.
Kinds of Caviar
After discussing the origin of caviar, in the next discussion we will discuss the various types of caviar. The following is an explanation of the types of caviar:
1. Beluga Caviar
Beluga caviar is the most expensive variant, why is that? This is because the female fish takes about 10-15 years for caviar to start producing eggs.
These caviar beads are large, plump, and sturdy. The color can range from light gray to dark gray. Beluga caviar has a distinctive taste, which is soft and almost like butter.
Previously the female fish had to be killed to take the eggs. However, now with the advancement of technology, the environmentally friendly fishing methods used do not involve killing the female fish.
2. Ossetra Caviar
Ossetra caviar is one of the most valuable and expensive types of caviar (surpassed only by beluga caviar in price). This caviar is obtained from the Osetra sturgeon which weighs 50-400 pounds and can live up to 50 years.
Ossetra caviar varies from dark brown to golden in color. The milder varieties are more sought after, as they have the richest flavor and come from the oldest sturgeon. Golden Ossetra is a rare form of Ossetra caviar, and is golden yellow in color with a very rich flavour.
In Russia, there are different names for sturgeon species that live in different regions such as Beluga ( Huso huso ), Sevruga ( Acipenser stellatus ) and Sterlet ( Acipenser ruthenus ). The name Ossetra corresponds to the species Acipenser gueldenstaedtii which is much smaller than the beluga sturgeon ( Huso huso ), and has a firmer texture.
On the territory of the Russian Federation there are other types of sturgeon, such as, Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser Baerii ) which is cultivated worldwide because it can adapt to a wider range of habitats. It starts producing caviar faster than Acipenser gueldenstaedtii.
3. Caviar Sevruga
Salted roe of the sturgeon sevruga species is one of the most common and popular caviar variants in the world. This fish comes from the Black and Caspian Seas. Sevruga caviar is one of the highest priced varieties of caviar, only inferior in price to the beluga and ossetra varieties. Sevruga caviar can also be found, made from a mixture of Osetra and Sevruga caviar that has been heated in a salt solution.
This caviar is harvested from a variety of endangered species of sturgeon fish, known for their tiny gray eggs. In Eastern Europe, it is harvested from the Sevruga sturgeon ( Acipenser stellatus ), Sterlet sturgeon ( Acipenser ruthenus ) and Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baerii ), which originate in the Caspian Sea and surrounding rivers.
This fish reproduces faster than other sturgeon variants, resulting in abundant caviar production at a relatively more affordable price when compared to beluga and ossetra caviar. In addition, this type of caviar is also easy to find.
It is estimated that about half of this caviar production comes from Sevruga. Sevruga caviar eggs are pearl gray in color, and they are smaller in size than other sturgeon. Talking about the taste, it tastes more salty when compared to other varieties. Even so, there are some variations depending on the origin of the fish. Caviar sevruga is usually packaged in red cans.
Caviar has a small size with a salty and buttery taste. The general color ranges from light gray to black. This type of caviar is best served plain without any additives, or it can be enjoyed exclusively with pearls or a wooden spoon.
4. Starlet Caviar
Starlet caviar is a variant of caviar harvested from starlet sturgeon which is native to the rivers that flow into the Caspian, Black, Baltic, Barents and Azov seas. This breed is one of the smallest sturgeons.
This type has a faster maturity rate than other sturgeon variants. In the IUCN list, the starlet sturgeon is included in the list of vulnerable fish. Currently, most of this type of fish is raised on farms.
The eggs are small and smooth. The color ranges from light gray to dark gray. Caviar has a mild, slightly sweet, buttery taste. This food is perfect when combined with buttered toast, blini, potatoes or eggs.
Caviar Nutrition
Caviar is very fragile and must be kept cold before consumption. Pasteurized caviar has a slightly different texture, so this type of caviar is not brittle and may not be refrigerated before opening.
Solid caviar consists of broken or brittle eggs and can be a combination of several different fish eggs, so this type of caviar is specially treated, salted and compacted.
Although a spoonful of caviar can meet the needs of an adult for vitamin B12 in a day, the salt and cholesterol content is also high. Therefore, for those who have a risk of cholesterol disease, you should not consume caviar in excess.
In one tablespoon of caviar or about 16 grams it contains several nutrients, such as:
- Calories: 42
- Fat: 2.86 grams
- Carbs: 0.64 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 3.94 grams
- Sodium: 240 milli grams
- Cholesterol: 94 milli grams
Caviar Benefits for Health
This expensive food if we consume it certainly has many benefits for the health of the body. The benefits of consuming caviar for health include:
1. Maintain the Function of the Heart and Blood Vessels
The content of omega-3 fatty acids in caviar has the benefit of optimizing the function of the heart and blood vessels.
The following are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for the function of the heart and blood vessels:
- Lowering triglyceride or blood fat levels.
- Reducing the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
- Slows the buildup of plaque that can clog arteries.
- Lowers blood pressure.
2. Maintain Skin Health
Apart from food, caviar is often found in beauty products. For example skin care products for anti-aging or anti-aging. This is due to the high content of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin E in caviar.
That is why consuming caviar regularly helps maintain healthy skin. This includes dealing with scaly skin dermatitis, and the skin feels rough.
3. Good for Bone Health
Another benefit of caviar lies in its high calcium and vitamin D content. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is important for maintaining long-term bone health.
As we get older, bone-related diseases are at risk, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. That is why, it is important to meet calcium and vitamin D intake from a young age. There are various foods and drinks that are sources of calcium and vitamin D, one of which is found in caviar.
4. Maintain Eye Health
Vitamin A plays an important role in optimizing and maintaining visual function. One of the benefits of vitamin A for the eyes is to keep the cornea area, namely the clear and thin layer at the front of the eyeball, so that it stays good.
In addition, vitamin A is a component in rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is the pigment in the eye which is responsible for receiving light, including when the light is low (a bit dark).
5. Supports Brain Function and Health
Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants play an important role in maintaining brain health and function.
These nutrients are known to play a role in improving memory and concentration as well as preventing senility or dementia, especially in the elderly.
6. Relieves Inflammation
A research shows that the content of omega-3 fatty acids can relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, especially swelling in the joints. This benefit is due to the nature of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation in the body.
Those are some of the benefits of caviar, Sinaumed’s. After knowing the benefits of caviar, are you interested in consuming caviar?
How to Eat Caviar
The best way to enjoy caviar is to eat it with a spoon. It would be nice, avoid eating caviar using a metal spoon because it can affect the taste.
There are also people who put caviar on the back of their hand, then immediately enjoy it. This method is actually to test the quality of caviar before people buy it.
In addition, caviar is also suitable served with crackers , toast points, or blini. Not only that, caviar can be used as a complement in the final touch of appetizers and pasta toppings.
Processed Caviar
Interested in trying caviar? The following are processed menus that Sinaumed’s can try with caviar-based ingredients:
1. Eggs Stuffed with Red Caviar and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 5 chicken eggs
- 50 – 70 grams of hard cheese
- 70 – 80 grams of red caviar
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Green leaves
How to make:
- Peel the previously boiled egg shell, halve and remove the yolk.
- Grate the cheese, mix with mayonnaise and yolks.
- Make sure you don’t add too much mayonnaise to keep the dough in shape.
- Mix and add a little salt.
- Fill the eggs with this dough. Do not fill too much.
- Top with caviar.
2. Biscuit Topping Caviar
For processing this one menu is quite easy. You only need biscuits as a base. Put cream cheese on top of the biscuits, and top with caviar. You can decorate them with leaves, or replace the biscuits with chips.
You have to eat this snack as soon as possible so the biscuits or chips don’t get soggy. You can also serve caviar over cucumbers. Easy isn’t it?
3. Caviar Topping Pancakes
First of all, you have to make egg pancakes or omelette first. Then, brush the pancakes with cream cheese, and roll them up. Cut into small pieces and place vertically on a serving plate. Top with caviar.
Apart from that, you can also make draniki, small potato pancakes and put cream cheese and caviar on top. Good luck!
4. Salmon and Caviar Roll
This menu is also fairly easy. You can simply slice salted or smoked salmon thinly lengthwise, or buy pre-made slices as a start. Then, put a teaspoon of butter, roll it up and place it vertically on a plate. You can tie the salmon with the leeks, then place the caviar on top.
5. Starsky salad
Ingredients:
- Squid 300 grams
- Cheese 200 grams
- Boiled potatoes 6 pieces
- 6 eggs
- Red caviar 160 grams
- Mayonnaise and salt
How to make:
- Clean and boil the squid until they turn white for a maximum of five minutes.
- Slice the squid, eggs and potatoes.
- Grate the cheese in medium size.
- All raw materials must be placed on a plate in the following order: squid, potatoes, eggs and cheese.
- Cover the arrangement with mayonnaise and salt. Garnish with red caviar.
6. Egg Topping Caviar
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 50 grams of mashed boiled potatoes
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp tobiko
How to make:
- Boil eggs until cooked.
- Peel the egg shell in half lengthwise while still hot.
- Take out the yolk and set aside the egg white.
- Grind the egg yolks and mix with the potatoes, mustard, pepper, salt, sugar and then mix well.
- Put in a triangular bag. Prepare a star syringe and then an egg yolk syringe into the egg white bowl pieces.
- Sprinkle caviar
7. Caviar Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Vegetables
- Mayonnaise
- Sauce
- Meat
How to make:
- Bake the bread until crisp
- Cut the vegetables and wash them clean.
- Put vegetables on the bread
- Fill with meat, sauce, mayonnaise
- Cover the sandwich with more bread on top.
- And don’t forget to top it with caviar
- Caviar sandwiches are ready to be enjoyed
Caviar is a processed food whose price is quite expensive. Therefore, not everyone can enjoy caviar. Even so, consuming caviar, you should not overdo it because it can cause side effects and can interfere with the body’s health.
Thus the discussion about caviar, from its origin to its processing. Then, is Sinaumed’s interested in trying this expensive caviar dish?
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Author: Yufi Cantika Sukma Divine