How to Choose Caviar

CHOOSING FARMED CAVIAR

Across Europe and the United States, sturgeon farms appeared in the 20th century. The caviar of sturgeons grown in artificial conditions is no less superior to the caviar extracted from them in the wild. Both have the same beneficial properties and excellent taste. The farming of sturgeon does not affect caviar’s status, in fact, it actually helps solve the problem of overfishing by reducing the illegal caviar trade due to the decreased market pressure on obtaining caviar from wild sturgeon species. Likewise, in a farmed environment, sturgeon fish live in fresh, filtered, unpolluted waters in conditions that closely mimic their original habitat. Additionally, they receive the best diet possible. It is to no surprise then, that the roe obtained from farm-raised fish is free of pollutants, run-off, pesticides, and other industrial contaminants that frequently plague the oceans and seas. Most of the caviar sold at Marky’s is farmed, likewise, all of our farmed caviar comes from sustainable, quality-assured partner farms that we’ve been working with for decades. This ensures high quality, consistent caviar delivered to your doorstep. 

CHOOSING CAVIAR ACCORDING TO THE OCCASION

What do you immediately think of when you hear the word “caviar”? Most people think of luxurious, gourmet food and beautiful surroundings. For many centuries, this legendary product has held an important place at holiday tables. Nowadays, the wide range of caviar available at Marky’s allows you the opportunity to choose the right caviar for any event in your life, whether it be something special like a wedding, or a dinner with family and friends, or a lunch with business partners. Presenting caviar at any meal will emphasize your excellent taste, impress your guests, and create an unforgettable atmosphere at any event.

Various caviar substitutes help make this delicacy more accessible to everyone. Oftentimes, it is quite difficult to distinguish between a caviar substitute and an original solely by taste and appearance.

In order to correctly choose a type of caviar according to the occasion, it is necessary to understand all of the sorts of caviar available. Most people know that there is a difference between sturgeon and non-sturgeon caviar, as black caviar is the caviar of sturgeon species, while red caviar is extracted from salmon, but many do not know just how many types of caviars and roes are available for consumption. Considering all types will ensure that you choose the perfect one for your event.

Marky's can help you choose the caviar that is best suited for your special occasion.

OCCASION: A ROMANTIC DINNER WITH A LOVED ONE 

A romantic evening for two requires Osetra caviar. Russian Osetra caviar is one of the most popular and well-known caviars derived from the sturgeon family. Likewise, it makes for a good substitute for the exclusive Beluga caviar, as it is more accessible than Beluga caviar and is comparable to it in taste. Chardonnay or Rosé will be the perfect complement to Osetra caviar. Your partner will certainly appreciate your efforts, and an unforgettable romantic evening is guaranteed.

OCCASION: A LARGE GATHERING 

Salmon roe is perfect for serving during family gatherings. If your family party involves a large number of people, surprise them with gourmet snacks and appetizers made with salmon caviar. Gourmets advise choosing salmon caviar because the eggs are creamy and buttery, which makes them more gentle and pleasant on sensitive palettes than some black caviars. Add a dollop of creme fraiche, or a slab of butter on a piece of baguette or crispy bread and serve salmon caviar on top. This appetizer will definitely be a favorite among all of your guests. 

OCCASION: A CELEBRATORY EVENING WITH FAMILY

Ceremonial family dinners call for Siberian Sturgeon caviar. If you’re inviting family members over to share important news and a special meal with, Marky’s recommends serving Siberian Sturgeon caviar. A delicacy at the table will enhance your dinner party, underline the importance of your event, and make for a memorable night with family members. Farm raised caviar from Siberian Sturgeon has a very delicate texture and a stunning buttery, nutty flavor due to the carefully controlled conditions under which the fish are raised. The low price of this excellent product, in comparison to pricier alternatives such as Osetra and Kaluga, will leave you pleasantly surprised.

 

OCCASION: A HOLIDAY PARTY

Kaluga caviar (also known as River Beluga caviar) is an impeccable addition to meals commemorating iconic moments, perfect for special holidays like a Christmas dinner. Kaluga caviar, due to its creamy notes, is the perfect caviar for any palette, including caviar newcomers. It is sure to be a standout among your friends and family during any celebratory meal or dinner. Produced from a hybrid of the Kaluga Sturgeon and the Amur Sturgeon, this caviar has big, shiny eggs and a rich, buttery taste.

Occasion: An Important Event

A wedding reception is a great place for any Private Stock caviar. This caviar is hand-selected by Marky’s caviar specialists that deem it to be the best and most high-quality caviar of every batch. Our experts place this caviar under our “Private Stock” label, attesting to its truly impeccable quality. This collection is exclusively sold online and at Marky’s Caviar in New York City. When planning an important event, such as a wedding, add this caviar to the menu because it is going to be the best quality caviar available for your special, once in a lifetime event. We recommend choosing any Private Stock caviar based on its utmost quality, attention does not have to be paid to its color. After all, sturgeon caviar doesn’t necessarily correspond to a black color and the color actually varies among different species of sturgeon. Caviar can also be silver-gray, bronze, hazelnut, or even streaky green in appearance, no matter its quality or taste. 

Occasion: A Fun Party with Friends

For a birthday celebration or party with friends, White Sturgeon caviar is definitely the right choice. Your friends will really enjoy this qualitative substitute for Siberian Sturgeon caviar. Its affordable price point, soft, medium sized eggs, and nutty and earthy taste will be sure to delight any of your guests.  

OCCASION: A SUSHI DINNER

Special sushi caviar including Flying Fish “Tobiko” roe and Capelin “Masago” roe are great for an evening filled with Japanese cuisine. An essential element of traditional Japanese cuisine is Flying Fish caviar known as Tobiko. It is used as a garnish in the preparation of sushi rolls and salads, or, it can be served on its own. This delicacy greatly differs from the customary sturgeon caviar or salmon roe, but it has its own special qualities. Its smaller eggs are crispy, juicy, and tender, and they leave a slightly sweet aftertaste. Try sprinkling the outside of a sushi roll with Flying Fish roe for decorative effects and you’ll get an unexpected but delicious combination. If you want to go for a less expensive substitute, try Capelin roe. Tobiko caviar works well with many products, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You can add it to rolls with shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and of course, salmon and cream cheese. To brighten your feast and liven the atmosphere, use Flying Fish roe or Capelin roe of all colors: orange, green, red, and black.

OCCASION: A CASUAL GET TOGETHER

Hanging out with good friends calls for Paddlefish caviar. Snacks that include this caviar are very welcome while watching movies or sports games with friends. It has a lower price point in comparison to other black caviars, making it a great option for larger parties. It has a bold, complex ocean flavor and earthy taste will definitely make your appetizers and canapés even more interesting and appetizing.

OCCASION: A BUSINESS DINNER WITH COLLEAGUES

Hackleback caviar is the perfect choice for a business dinner with colleagues and partners. It is an affordable, but no less refined, alternative to the more expensive varieties of black caviar. Caviar produced from the wild-caught American Hackleback sturgeon, the smallest fish of the sturgeon family, captivates its consumers with its unusual and intense nutty flavor. 

OCCASION: A MEAL WITH CAVIAR CONNOISSEURS

Last, but definitely not least, Sevruga Caviar should be served to guests that already love caviar. Sevruga caviar is one of the most exquisite caviars around, but it is best appreciated by those who already have a knack for caviar due to its sharp finish. The dark-gray, small eggs of Sevruga caviar have the most intense flavor of all types of caviar.  People who have tasted Sevruga caviar before will never forget its bright flavor. Marky’s Sevruga is harvested at Sturgeon AquaFarms in Bascom, Florida, making it an even bigger treat for your guests due to our “farm-to-spoon” concept. 

A FINAL NOTE ON CHOOSING CAVIAR

No matter what kind of event you’re celebrating in your life, big or small, and no matter which caviar you select, Marky’s is sure to provide you with the best quality caviar on the market. In addition to its versatility and unique taste, caviar is rich in vital substances, which contributes to its significant positive effect on our bodies. Fish roe of any color is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins and is believed to have life-extending qualities.  Explain this to anyone you’re eating with to make them even more enthusiastic about what’s being served at your table. They’ll never forget the taste of the caviar they ate in your company. 

Read more about the different types of caviar in Marky’s guide on Types of Caviar

CAVIAR BUYING TIPS

3 KEY FEATURES YOU SHOULD REMEMBER ABOUT CAVIAR

Before you start looking for a decent online retail shop that sells caviar, you need to decide what exactly you expect from the purchase. This is a bit easier said than done. At Marky’s, we understand your caviar needs better than anyone else. That’s why we’ve prepared a few helpful notes to help you with the choice you’re going to make when it comes to deciding where to buy caviar. 

#1. REMEMBER WHAT IS AND ISN’T CAVIAR

If we approach this issue technically, caviar is a salt-cured roe. Roe means fully ripe, unfertilized fish eggs. According to the definition given by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), any kind of specially prepared fish eggs can be considered caviar. However, today, manufacturers must indicate the name of the fish whose roe they use as a “feedstock” when labeling their products.

#2. REMEMBER THAT CAVIARS ARE EXTREMELY DIVERSE

Traditionally, what we call “caviar” should be prepared sturgeon roe. Some of the most popular types include:

Beluga Hybrid
Osetra Caviar
Sevruga Caviar

This is actually where quite a lot of the misunderstanding surrounding caviar arises. Nevertheless, the FDA has already pointed out that when we want to buy caviar, our choice isn’t limited to the caviar of only a few particular sturgeon species. Nowadays, we can not only opt for sturgeon roes including caviar delicacies, such as osetra, sterlet, and beluga, but also for non-sturgeon roes including paddlefish, salmon roe (“red caviar”), or even capelin roe (masago). 

Salmon Roe
Paddlefish Caviar
Black Capelin Roe "MASAGQ"

What’s more, true aficionados will tell you that the texture and taste of caviar from even the same species of fish can differ across tins. This can be the case even when the caviar comes from the same producer. Many, if not all, qualities of this delicacy depend on how the individual fish has matured, as well as its age and diet. 

#3. REMEMBER YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCES

What can please others’ taste buds is not necessarily fit for your personal gastronomic satisfaction. Think about your preferences when it comes to caviar or fish roe. Do you prefer caviar’s tanginess, nuttiness, or butteriness? Is it the size of the eggs, their appearance, or the texture that helps you decide which caviar to purchase? Acknowledging your true preferences and reading about different caviar profiles can give you a much better idea as to which caviar you should purchase. 

5 TIPS ON HOW TO BUY CAVIAR AND BE SURE ABOUT ITS SUPERB QUALITY

Now, let’s move from theory to practice. Being one of the most reputable and popular online caviar stores in the United States, Marky’s is glad to offer you only topnotch caviar products and direct you in the process of how to enjoy the benefits of shopping for caviar.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing caviar? Let’s check out the most significant concerns with a few tips from our team of caviar experts at Marky’s.

The New York-based top chef winner, Buddha Lo has collaborated with Marky's Caviar to create his own limited line of luxury caviar called Saint Urgeon. The two varieties offered are Classic Kaluga for $80 per ounce and Premium Osetra which runs about $100 an ounce! You can purchase these delicacies online or at Marky's shops.</p> Get the reference article ‘Top Chef’ Champ Buddha Lo Just Dropped His Own Line of Caviar.

TIP #1: PRICE: DON’T TURN IT INTO AN INDICATOR OF QUALITY

However, you should still count on the fact that you’ll be asked to pay at least $50 for one ounce of almost any black caviar (sturgeon caviar). At the same time, most experts and connoisseurs claim that when it comes to caviar, a higher price doesn't imply higher quality. Rather, a steep price on caviar can imply a larger size of caviar beads, an older fish, more complex manufacturing techniques, and rarity.

Experience shows that without knowing prices, even professional tasters sometimes give their preferences to less expensive caviars, which tend to be tangier and, probably, fishier. So, the choice of such a delicacy is always up to your personal preferences. If you’re unsure about which caviar to purchase, you can try sampling different types of caviars through Marky’s caviar samplers, gifts, and sets to find your favorite caviar.

TIP #2: ORIGIN: CHOOSE FROM GLOBAL OPTIONS

We need to face the fact that not all “Russian” and “Iranian” caviars actually come from Russia and Iran. Yet, the good news is that nowadays there are safe, reputable U.S., Canadian, Israeli, Chinese, Italian, and other manufacturers that provide the world market with excellent caviar. Today, many specialists note that the country of origin can’t be an indicator of either the quality or safety of caviar as a product, but rather, one must look to the quality and production standards that the respective farm upholds in their production of caviar. 

TIP #3: AMOUNT: BUY ENOUGH, BUT NOT IN EXCESS

The above-mentioned 28 grams (1 ounce) of caviar are enough to serve two people and enjoy the flavor of the option you chose. So, if there are only two of you wishing to taste a certain kind of caviar for the very first time, a 28 gram tin is a safe bet for your menu.

Besides, you’re going to acquire a perishable product, although it can surely survive more than one day in the fridge, you don’t want to purchase more than you can consume within 4-5 days of opening the caviar.

TIP #4: IN-PERSON PURCHASE VS. ONLINE ORDER: GO TO A REPUTABLE PRODUCER OR SUPPLIER

‘Where can I buy caviar?’ You know that there are hundreds of manufacturers offering caviar to you across the U.S. But, where can you find a caviar that you’ll really like?

It’s recommended that you taste caviar before purchasing it. So, the store around the corner might look like the right place to go shopping for this product provided that they can allow you to try a bit of it.

On the other hand, if you are already sure of a brand, or you trust the person who recommended a certain brand or supplier to you, the best solution is ordering it online. You can do so from Marky’s. 

TIP #5: QUALITY AND FRESHNESS: CONSIDER THE TIME

Poor quality and perishability can turn even the costliest product into something absolutely inedible. If you decide to buy caviar online from Marky’s, we guarantee to deliver it to you overnight. That’s why you can place a caviar order right before any occasion and ensure that you’ll serve the freshest delicacy at your special dinner, event, or get-together. 

Where Can I Buy Caviar Near Me? – Discover Marky’s Collection

As you are visiting our online retail store at the moment, you have a great opportunity to place a quick order for one of the world’s most luxurious delicacies. Here at Marky’s, we guarantee caviar that has been expert and customer tested for its quality, and this applies to each type of caviar we provide. Our spotless history started from this delicacy product, and we are happy to know that it has satisfied the highest expectations of numerous aficionados throughout the years.

Thank you for shopping with Marky’s through our online store! Be sure to check out our retails and restaurant locations as well.