Nonsurgical Live Removal of Caviar

richhill - Monday, 14 November 2011 10:15
stripped caviar

The need for nonsurgical live removal of caviar from the host mother is one of the best ways to help sustain the sturgeon’s population to a level where it can be removed from the endangered species list. This technique is called stripping the roe from its mother.

The reason stripping is now the preferred method for the removal of the roe for human consumption is that the sturgeon then lives on and can produce another batch of eggs. Unfortunately most species of sturgeon only go thru the reproductive cycle once every three years. This is considerable better than the 20 years required for a sturgeon to be hatched then grow to maturity before it can start to produce roe of its own.

The old way of extracting the roe from the female sturgeons was to slice the belly of the fish open and remove the ovaries that contained the unfertilized eggs. There were some fisheries that were stitching up the females after the ovaries were removed so the fish could live on, but with no ovaries to produce the desired caviar, the fish had no more use for the caviar industry or able to reproduce to help keep the population from collapsing.

The process of stripping itself came from the salmon fisheries. There they used to strip the roe and sperm from adults so a new generation of salmon could be raised. To perform this procedure the sturgeon is generally anesthetized. This allows for less harm to come to the roe and the mother.

This procedure is done by hand where a person takes the fish by the tail with one hand. The other hand then applies pressure to the ovaries externally so the roe can flow out. This is then collected and inspected. Because each fish is different and the quality of its roe will vary, each collection process is done in separate containers so the higher quality caviar can early be separated from the  lower grade ones.

This practice of stripping has been performed by the fisheries in Iran for some time now. It is also the reason the Iranian Caviar was not banned for human consumption when all other counties were by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 2005. The reason for the ban in America was purely a political one that most agree with.

The use of nonsurgical live removal of caviar still allows for the harvesting of this delicacy without endangering the lives of the sturgeons that product them. As long as some of the roe are allowed to hatch, the population of all sturgeon species can be maintained and grow so a sustained supply of caviar can exist in the future for human consumption and enjoyment.

South Korea Emerges as Unlikely Source of Caviar

The unfertilized eggs of the sturgeon have made the fish one of the world’s most valuable wildlife resources. Some 90 percent of the world’s caviar comes from sturgeon in the Caspian Sea, but uncontrolled fishing after the collapse of the Soviet Unio…

Need Caviar Recipes

richhill - Sunday, 6 November 2011 01:20
caviar recipe

A few Caviar Recipes

There are many caviar recipes being used at events and social occasions around the world. The most often and enjoyable of all the caviar recipes is the applying of caviar to a piece of lightly toasted bread that is freshly baked.

The reason this is the preferred recipe is because the toast is still soft enough not to crush the roe when it is being placed on its surface and the true flavor of caviar is allow to step forward. This is the main reason crackers are not the choice of serving mediums for this wonderful delicacy.

This is the recipe used most often for those that have acquired a high quality caviar, usually from the Caspian Sea. For those that love caviar, this is the only way to enjoy the full flavor of the roe.

Because of the embargo on the trade of Caspian Sea caviar in the 2000’s, the need for an alternative source of this delicacy needed to be filled. This is also the reason so many recipes involving caviar have spawned up lately. The flavor is not the same as what was coming from the Caspian Sea so a change in the way the alternative roe was being served has changed.

One recipe that combines two loved flavors is lobster tail and caviar. By lightly frying bread in oil that also has a chicken stock cube dissolved in it then draining the excess oil off, you have a great base for your Hors d’oeurves. When cooled, a piece of thinly sliced lobster tail is added and topped with your choice of Caviar. The most common caviar for this recipe because of the nutty taste is Sevruga.

Another commonly used item for the serving of caviar is cream cheese. This is done since the cream cheese does not have an overpowering flavor and the taste of the caviar will be noticed. This combination can be served on toast or crackers. For a change of pace the use of prepared potato skins is a welcome addition. The sprinkling of salt and pepper to taste is common along with a few pieces of finely chopped shallots.

The combination of two completely different unfertilized eggs is also becoming popular. The boiling of quail eggs then pealing them is the first step. After they are shelled then they should be cut in half lengthwise. On the yoke of this egg should be placed the caviar. This is great for any type of caviar, but most often used with salmon roe.

Order Caviar online by clicking on the right.

The way you prefer this delicacy is a personal one, but these ideas many be useful.  These are a few simple and enjoyable caviar recipes.

 

Azerbaijan Caviar Available

richhill - Friday, 4 November 2011 10:15

Azerbaijan Caviar flag

The Azerbaijan caviar is from the western side of the Caspian Sea. This is the country that is placed between Russia and Iran on the Caspian Sea and has a thriving caviar business.

The Caspian Fish Company is the only legal producer of caviar inside the borders of Azerbaijan and is owned by the Country’s Minister of Caviar and Juice. This same industry was controlled by the Russian Mafia when the USSR was in power in the region.

The country of Azerbaijan has been a major supplier of beluga caviar to the world for hundreds of years. In the early 1900’s Azerbaijan was exporting 55 tones of caviar annually. During the years under the Soviet Union, an agreement between Iran and the USSR reduced the amount of Azerbaijan caviar legally allowed to be exported to only 5.2 tons annually.

After Azerbaijan obtained its independence in the early 1990’s their caviar production returned to its prior glory. In 1993 they were able to export 52 tones of caviar to the world. In 1999 Azerbaijan joined the Convention for International Trade for Endanger Species and has followed the restrictions on the sales of caviar.

In the year 2001 to 2002 the sturgeon population was reported to be reduced in the Azerbaijan area by 40%.

The problem is the illegal poaching of caviar in the Azerbaijan area that is a major concern of the convention. In 2004 there was a reported 2000 attempts by poachers prevented from harvesting caviar with the recovery of 300kg made.

The coastal patrols are still catching poachers, but their numbers have significantly been reduced in recent years. In 2010 there was only 38 kg if caviar that was confiscated by officials.

To help the population of the sturgeons in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has been fertilizing a portion of the roe in their control. In 2010 there was a mass release of these fingerlings into the Caspian Sea. This release will need up to 20 years before it will positively affect the population when they mature.

Today you can still find all three types of Caspian Sea sturgeon caviar available for sale to the public. This is online from Musado Wild Nature. Because of the German imported processing plant opened in Azerbaijan in the early 2000’s, this delicacy can be found in glass jars instead of metal tines.

Want to know about Azerbaijan? Watch this video.

Azerbaijan video short version for the class

My First Project

The sale of Azerbaijan caviar is still limited by the Convention for International Trade for Endanger Species, but you can obtain it legally.

 

More on The Current Caviar Price

richhill - Monday, 31 October 2011 09:32

Caviar Price

caviar price

The caviar price has changed over the years. Caviar started out as a food source for the people around the Caspian Sea. Once the royalty of Russia took notice of this delicacy, their desire to enjoy this rare food morsel from the sea took over and most of the common people no longer consumed any.

Now we move on to the early 1900’s and America was a vast new source of caviar which was found in the streams and rivers of this vast continent. The supply of caviar was so plentiful that it replaced the beer nuts in bars as free giveaway food. The quality of the caviar was so high that when it was exported to Europe some of it returned repackaged as Russian caviar. This did cause some confusion and in the later parts of the 1900’s, only roe from the beluga, ossetra and sevruga species caught in the Caspian Sea can be labeled as caviar as a result.

Caviar Price by Supply

Today there are caviar suppliers around the world. The label on the can now has to specific it origin. If the name caviar is alone then it is the highest quality Beluga sturgeon roe that originates in the Caspian Sea.

The price of this ancient delicacy has risen in the last couple of decades due to overfishing of the sturgeon in the wild. Because of this a ½ kilogram of Russian beluga caviar will now cost in the range of $2,500 to $3,000. This can still be purchased in bulk from several different suppliers.

Caviar Price by Demand

There is less of a demand for the small but stronger tasting Russian Sevruga. A 2 ounce tin of this roe ranges from $230 to $270. This is also what many suppliers give away to their customers who place large orders. This is generally the restaurants around the world.

The Russian Ossetra Caviar is where the imperial Russian caviar is from. Only 5% of all this roe can meet that high standard. You can find this in a larger 4.5 ounce tin in the price range from $475 to $650.

There are other sources of caviar, but the label on the tin will announce where it is from. The Caviar can be purchased in a 5 ounce can for as little as $120. Salmon Caviar is even less expensive because of the abundant supply and a 5 ounce can is only $20.

The varieties of caviar around the world are many including the really low costing roe of Scandinavia which is from the cod fish. The caviar price you will pay will be determined by the rarity of the species you are about to enjoy.

American Hackleback Sturgeon

richhill - Saturday, 29 October 2011 06:23
American Hackleback Sturgeon

The American hackleback sturgeon is also called the Shovelnose sturgeon because of the way the head is shaped. Other names this ancient fish goes by includes switchtail and sand sturgeon. This is one of nine sturgeons that populate the waterways of American naturally. Unlike its Caspian Sea cousins, the Hackleback is a fresh water sturgeon that thrives in the large rivers in the middle of the country.

Fortunately for those that appreciate the roe from the hackleback, it has largest by population of all the sturgeons in the wild. It is mainly found in the great muddy Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This fresh water sturgeon only takes eight to ten years before the female can be mature enough to produce eggs.

Unfortunately they only spawn every three years but their numbers are so abundant that they are now being commercially fished. Fortunately this is the fastest growing sturgeon on earth and can reach 38 inches in just eight years. This size also makes it the smallest sturgeon on the planet.

As for taste of the American hackleback sturgeon, it is most commonly compared to the Sevruga and Beluga caviar that is caught in the Caspian Sea. The hackleback is a bottom feeder so its food source will vary from fish to fish. For this reason the taste seems to vary at times. Many state that it has a buttery taste while other samples have given off a nutty taste to them.

The roe itself is small to medium size so it will never be mistaken for Beluga even with the fresh nutty flavor. The color is dark to black in most instances that is natural.

Because of the abundant supply, this roe is also very reasonably priced. A one ounce tin can be easily found at prices of $17 to $24 each. Since this is considered a single serving, if you are going to throw a party then the seven ounce tin for just over $100 might fit your needs better.

This is fresh roe that is only lightly salted. Since it is not generally pasteurized, the shelf life in a refrigerator that is kept at 26F to 36F is only 4 to 6 weeks.

To enhance the flavor, many of the fisheries use the same salt as Russian caviar in an attempt to enhance the natural flavor and make the claim that the roe is processed in Caspian methods.

The American hackleback sturgeon is the most abundant of all the caviar in the world along with being the least expensive of the sturgeon caviar available today. The flavor is exceptional and is enjoyed around the world.

Beluga Caviar Food Blog

richhill - Tuesday, 25 October 2011 09:38
Beluga Caviar Caspian Sea

Beluga Caviar Caspian Sea

Beluga Caviar

This is a Beluga Caviar Food Blog that was created with the intention to provide you with the latest information on this delicacy so you can be an informed connoisseur. There are also entries for the casual caviar connoisseur so they can know more about roe and what makes it so unique in the food world.

When you are looking for an ounce of caviar but can only find the metric equivalence remember 2.2 pounds is the same as 1 kilogram. The metric versions are intended for the European market but since the marketplace has gone global with the internet, you will find both types of weights available to anyone anywhere.

Beluga Caviar in Grams

For those of you making purchases on a smaller scale the 1 ounce is just under 29 grams, 2 ounces just shy of 57 grams and 3 ounces is neatly 85 grams.  With this as a simple guide you will be able to compare prices when the containers are not in the same units.

When making larger purchases, 100 grams is just over 3.5 ounces, 200 grams is slightly more than 7 ounces, 500 grams is a little more than 17.6 ounces and 1 kilo is 35.27 ounces.

This will help you to compare 500 grams of beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea being sold for $2,775 with 8 ounce tin of American farmed caviar at $853.65. The 8 ounce tin is also labeled 250 grams but in reality 250 grams is 8.8 ounces so the true weight is closer the larger printed amount.

For the novice, the beluga caviar is the most popular and most expensive. It has a rich creamy buttery taste that is a flavor many have enjoyed for years. The roe itself is of large grains and will easily detach themselves from each other. The surface of the eggs themselves is very delicate so always take care when handling them.  For those of you with a delicate and sensitive palette, the hint of the sea can also be detected when consuming this morsel.

Most of the roe from the beluga sturgeon is black in color. The lighter the shade of black the roe is, the older the sturgeon was when the eggs were harvested. Unfortunately this species of fish is endangered. The countries around the Caspian Sea that hunt for this particular roe have been unable to agree to a quota on the amount that should be harvested.

Beluga Caviar Sustainability

Because of the dwindling supply of beluga caviar and other varieties, the prices have nearly jumped 10 times what they were just 2 decades ago. There has also been a ban on the exportation of most wild caviar to the world that began in 2009. Since that time the supply of wild beluga roe that can be found is of inferior quality.

To meet the demand for this delicacy and to make it more affordable, there are many beluga fish farms being started. This will help to sustain the fish population from going extinct, but many connoisseurs complain there is a change in the taste of their favorite morsel.

As the market changes for this delicacy and new information becomes available about the regulations involved with this delicacy, this Beluga Caviar Food Blog will do its best to get it posted so you can be an informed consumer.

The Best Drinks That Go with Caviar

richhill - Sunday, 23 October 2011 08:08
drinks that go with caviar

Drinks that Go With Caviar:

The drinks that go with caviar must be known to any host or hostess that is having a caviar party. The most common conception is that champaign is severed at this type of event. This is true to a point. To be considered champaign, it must come from the Champaign region of France, which is not what always occurs.

Champaign is One of the Best Drinks that Go With Caviar

The use of Brut and sparkling wine is also served at these events. While chemically similar, they cannot be named the same because of rights given to the champaign makers in France by the world governing body over this type of food product prevent it. There are a few of the champaign and sparkling wines that have a stronger flavor to them than others. These should not be served while the caviar is still being enjoyed. They might overpower the flavor of your delicate morsel.

One item that should be included at all caviar parties is at least one if not several high quality vodkas. Vodka is supposed to be odorless and tasteless as a drink. With the cheaper varieties of vodka there is generally an after taste so only use a top quality vodka when serving it as a drink while the caviar is being enjoyed. This way the taste of the drink has no chance of overpowering the delicate morsel you have as your centerpiece of the party.

Water and Vodka are also Drinks that go with Caviar

Plain water is another drink of choice at a caviar party. This is the choice most people prefer if they wish to avoid an alcoholic beverage. This should be severed in a pitcher filed with ice made of the same quality water as is present in liquid form. Avoid using tap water at all costs because upon freezing it, solids do precipitate out and will form on the bottom of the glass and pitcher.

The use of bottle water is recommended so the particulates do not form in the ice, but it is considered tacky if the water is served in those plastic bottles. If your crowd is picky then have the bottled water in the bottles placed in a cooler of ice and let your guest see you refill the pitcher with this pricey liquid refreshment.

Christian Slater likes caviar.  Maybe a little too much?

What about hot drinks?

Coffee and tea being served hot is still common place at a caviar party along with beer and mixed drinks. In most instances, these are enjoyed once all the caviar is gone or most of your attendees have had their share already.

An overpowering taste from a liquid can ruin the full flavor of this delicacy for those that love the taste of caviar.  The importance of drinks that go with caviar cannot be understated.

Current Price of Caviar

richhill - Thursday, 20 October 2011 07:26
Price of Caviar

Image via Wikipedia

Price of Caviar

The price of caviar is heavily dependent on the type and rarity of the specific kind you wish to enjoy at your next gathering of friends. For the American market, the price of beluga caviar is so high and rare; most connoisseurs have decided to find an alternative for their parties.

In the American market the use of the term Black Caviar is not a reference to beluga. The source of this type of caviar is the American hackleback and paddlefish. This is being sold for $25 to $39 for a 2 ounce jar. The eggs are large and black and acceptable for some that enjoy caviar.

Another form of black caviar being sold is from the Bowfish. While not related to the sturgeon, many producers of this roe like to point out that this fish is even older than the sturgeon. The eggs are black like the beluga but are smaller in size. This can be found for $60 for a 2 ounce tin. This is also still a wild fish so there is a close resemblance of the desired taste most connoisseurs appreciate.

Another common name that is slightly misleading in the caviar industry is Organic caviar. This is just a marketing name for sturgeons that are raised in a fish farm. This is generally from the Osetra variety of sturgeon and can be purchased for $195 for a 2 ounce tin.

One of the lowest prices caviars is from the salmon family. This is red caviar with its large roe. At times this egg can be the size of small pearl. This is still acquired from wild salmon and can be purchased for $18 for a 2 ounce tin. The varieties of salmon roe used include Chum, Sockeye, Pink, Atlantic, King, Coho and Steelhead.

Lowest Price of Caviar

One of the most unusual types of caviar on the market is Black Caviar Supreme. The roe is small and the black color is from the ink of a squid. It is small and crunchy and some of the retailers claim this roe can even be frozen. It sells for $17.50 for a 2 ounce tin. The exact source of the roe is not disclosed.

The Siberian caviar is another misleading name for type of delicacy. In reality it is farmed Osetra sturgeon from the fish farms in America. It has a buttery taste with medium size grayish eggs. This can be found in a 2 ounce tin for $120.

French Fine Dining – The Affordable Way – Malaysia

For a price of RM255++ (without wine), patrons can enjoy a myriad of tastes like foie gras, lobster, cod fish, oysters, beef and even caviar in its menu. This is indeed an absolute opportunity, not only for aficionados of French

Publish Date: 10/20/2011 1:06

http://www.malaysia.com/blog/french-fine-dining-the-affordable-way/

Supply and Demand Affects Price of Caviar

Remember beluga caviar has been banned since 2005 and can only be found on the black market. This is just some of the price of caviar you can find in the American market.

Purchase Caviar Online

richhill - Tuesday, 18 October 2011 08:51
caviar online

Purchase Caviar Online

Purchasing Caviar Online is Easy

Finding and purchasing caviar online is not a problem anymore. This eCommerce has developed into a substantial part of this $100 million industry. When most consumers think of caviar, the beluga sturgeon and its roe come to mind. This is the most popular and one of the highest prices selections of caviar that can be found.  This can cost over $180 an ounce. At this time the tin will have the word Keluga and not beluga. This is known as river beluga caviar.

You can purchase up to 1 pound of this delicacy that will be sealed in a tin for $2880, but remember that to enjoy this morsel, it should be less than 3 months old. Do not make such a large purchase that a portion of it might expire.

Also when online, remember to read the fine print. Today the international standards require the roe to be identified. Just because it is beluga, do not expect it to be from a wild sturgeon that was captured in the Caspian Sea. The majority of what is on the market is now from fish farms located around the world.

The countries that have established sturgeon fish farms for the purpose of sustaining the sturgeon population include Russian, America, Canada, China, France, Italia, Israel and Spain. The country of origin is required on the tin so consumers will know where it is from.

Purchase Russian Caviar Online

While most of the world considered the large black roe of the beluga sturgeon the best, the royal courts of Russian have always favored the golden smaller roe of the Osetra. This morsel can cost as much as $200 an ounce.

The remaining caviar that can be found is at a lower price. While most of the sturgeon caviar farms around the world have sturgeon that originated in the Caspian Sea, they are no longer considered Russian caviar and cannot be labeled as such. This is to the advantage of the consumer since the price is then reduced.

A one ounce tin of Osetra caviar can be found for only $55 if from America. An Italian variety can be had for only $46 and farmed Russian Osetra is available from $66. Of the farmed roe, the Chinese are the most expensive at $150 for each ounce of this morsel with the Spanish pressed caviar, Payusnaya Russian Style the least expensive at under $40.

Now that you are about to make your purchase online of this wonderful delicacy, we invite you to check out the prices of our sponsor , at www.reasonably-priced-caviar.com/.   You will find all types of caviar to your liking and they may be rush delivered to your door for tomorrow nights party.

Here is how you can present the caviar you purchased online.

Zagat Presents: CAVIAR CREATIONS

Guests dined like tsars at this opulent UWS landmark, indulging in four courses of caviar-centric, French-influenced cuisine. They started the night off with king crab with saffron crème fraîche, followed by dishes highlighting Petrossian’s world ren…

Caviar Online from a Sustainable Source

Because the roe is now harvested without killing the mother, this delicacy is now from a sustainable source so generations in the future can enjoy it.  These are some of the things you need to look for and understand when making a purchase of caviar online.

Market of Beluga Caviar

richhill - Sunday, 16 October 2011 11:44

 

market beluga caviar russia iran

image via wikipedia

The market of Beluga Caviar is intense. This is the most sought after and prized morsel in the world. Unfortunately it is also well known that the demand for this roe heavily outstrips the supply. The reason most often given for this occurrence is over fishing and pollution where the Beluga naturally live.

What used to be the largest market for beluga caviar, America, has placed a ban on the importation of the Iran variety since 2008. This was not done because of concerns for the fish or the way the roe was harvested, but purely for political reasons.

There still is Beluga caviar from Russia along with the other countries that border the Caspian and Black Seas available to the global market. The production of Russian beluga caviar was supposed to end in 2007, but loop holes remain in place so a certain amount can be sold. Some of the prices for this morsel can reach up to $25,000 a kilo. This price is driven by its rarity with an estimated 100 beluga fish are captured in the wild each year for the harvesting of their roe.

As most connoisseurs know, the beluga caviar is packed in a blue tin. This is distinctive from the red tins in which Osetra caviar is sold and the yellow which the Sevruga is packed in. This makes it extremely easy to know what you are about to enjoy with just a glance. These colors cover the top of the tins. If there is a combination of colors, the roe inside is not from a wild sturgeon caught in the Caspian Sea.

Because of the lack of supply, there are many imitations and inferior beluga caviar on the market that are attempting to exploit the demand for this highly sought after product. To avoid being taken, make sure you do your homework on any place you decide to make a purchase.

The US law on this product states the type of roe and the place of it origin must be clearly labeled on the tin. If the roe is from a wild sturgeon, it does not need to be stated. If the roe is from a fish farm, it does have to be labeled as such. Many of these that are farmed have both blue and red on the tins for an easy distinction between them and the wild variety.

Luxury Food: The Beluga Caviar

The most expensive caviar, in turn, is what they call the Beluga Caviar, which sometimes costs up to $10000 per kilogram.

Publish Date: 10/11/2011 2:10

http://6starliving.com/luxury-food-the-beluga-caviar/

If you are looking for the market of Beluga Caviar, the best place to find fresh and real tins is in the Mediterranean area and in the many Arab states. They have fewer restrictions and openly sell Iranian beluga caviar. Just be ready to pay a hefty price for it.

sturgeon farmed for caviar harvesting in Spain

Russian sturgeon the source for russian caviar like beluga and osetra is an endangered species. A gourmet chef takes you on a tour to Spain were sturgeon is farmed for harvesting caviar in a sustainable way.