Caviar Knowledge

Get to know Caviar.

All important information about Caviar

Caviar is an extraordinary natural product, often surrounded by questions and mysteries. In this section, we have compiled and comprehensively answered the nine most frequently asked questions for you.

If you have additional questions not listed here, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your disposal and will address all your concerns!

How is Caviar made?

Every caviar legally distributed today originates from aquaculture. At Kaluga Queen, our production site in China, sturgeons are kept in special net pens with low stocking densities.

To produce top-quality caviar, as we aim to offer our customers, the sturgeon cannot remain alive.

The selected fish for caviar production are punctured to take small samples. If the result is positive, the fish is processed. However, before processing, it spends four weeks in the so-called "Fasting Area."

During this time, the sturgeons receive no additional food, but they benefit from abundant fresh, cold, and moving water. This is done to ensure a clear and pure taste of the caviar. The final processing of the animal involves a total of 16 steps. Upon opening the abdominal cavity, the roe becomes visible. Each female sturgeon can produce up to 12 percent of its body weight in caviar.

Where does caviar come from?

Imperial Caviar is produced in the southern Chinese province of Zhejiang, south of Shanghai. Sturgeon farms exist worldwide, but there are significant differences in quality. The majority of the currently traded farmed caviar comes from Europe and the Far East.

Where is the best place to buy caviar?

Every caviar you purchase comes from sturgeons specifically bred in fish farms. Wild caviar is no longer legally available. For high-quality caviar, we recommend visiting a delicatessen or your trusted fishmonger.

However, by Imperial Delikatess, you can conveniently order your favorite caviar, and it will be delivered to you until 48 hours. Alternatively, you are cordially invited to visit us in person in Berlin, taste our various varieties, and take your favorite home with you directly!

What is the best way to eat caviar?

First and foremost, it should be noted that caviar should never be enjoyed with silver or metal utensils as this may cause oxidation and compromise the taste of the caviar. Instead, we recommend using a small spoon made of horn, mother-of-pearl, or even plastic.

Before serving the caviar, please take it out of the refrigerator about 5 minutes beforehand and open the tin immediately before consumption. To maintain an appropriate temperature, you can prepare a bowl with ice and place the caviar tin on it. However, please note that the caviar should not come directly into contact with ice or water.

For a perfect presentation, explore our range of beautiful caviar bowls that will elevate your caviar experience even more elegantly!

What do you eat with Caviar?

The choice of accompaniment for caviar depends entirely on the variety. In general, blinis, potatoes, boiled eggs, or lightly buttered toast are excellent companions. Some caviar varieties, such as our Imperial Selection or Beluga, can also be enjoyed on their own. As suitable beverage pairings, we recommend ice-cold vodka, champagne, or a dry white wine.

Our caviar consultant is at your disposal to help you find the perfect accompaniment! You can also explore our caviar recipes, which can be prepared quickly and easily.

How do you store Caviar correctly?

Store caviar in the rear section of the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of approximately -2°C to +6–8°C. In our vacuum-sealed tins, caviar remains fresh under these conditions for up to three months from the date of receipt.

What is the shelf life of opened Caviar?

Once you have opened a tin, you should keep it in the fridge and consume the caviar within a few days.

Which caviar is the best?

Tastes vary, making it challenging to determine which caviar can be considered the absolute best. Every caviar enthusiast has their preferred variety and often remains loyal to it.

Beluga is among the most expensive caviar types due to the extended time this sturgeon species takes to produce its first roe. For this reason, Beluga is not as readily available as, for example, our Imperial Selection. Many of our customers repeatedly confirm that the Imperial Selection is their favorite.

This caviar variety offers unbeatable value for money!