Caviar

Caviar is one of the most prized delicacies in the world, celebrated for its complex flavour and the ritual of its serving. Fine Food Specialist stocks a premium selection of sturgeon caviar varieties, along with tasting sets and gifting options, all available with next-day UK delivery.

Types of Caviar: Beluga, Oscietra and Sevruga

The three great traditional varieties of caviar each have their own distinct character. Beluga caviar comes from the Huso huso sturgeon, the largest sturgeon species, and produces the most famous and expensive caviar in the world. The eggs are large, typically around 3mm, with a light grey or silvery appearance, and the flavour is clean, buttery and remarkably smooth, with a long, gentle finish that lingers on the palate.

Oscietra caviar tends to produce medium-sized golden to dark brown eggs with a nuttier, more complex flavour profile. Many serious caviar tasters consider Oscietra to be the most culinarily interesting variety, offering depth, a slight brininess and a flavour that develops as you taste it. 

Sevruga caviar has smaller, dark grey eggs and a more intensely saline flavour, with a firmer texture and a pronounced character that suits more experienced palates. 

Alternative Caviar – Includes lumpfish roe, arenkha/avruga (herring-based), and salmon caviar; excellent, more affordable options with unique flavours and textures for everyday indulgence or garnishing.

Whatever your preference, we offer a range of caviar and accompaniments to create an unforgettable experience for caviar lovers and new tasters alike.

Caviar Price and What to Expect

Caviar price varies considerably depending on the species, origin, grade and presentation of the product. Beluga commands the highest prices due to the rarity of the Huso huso sturgeon and the length of time it takes to reach maturity. Oscietra and sevruga are both more accessible in terms of price while still representing genuine luxury. 

For those new to caviar in the UK, a smaller portion or a caviar gift set provides an excellent introduction without committing to a larger quantity.

Alternative caviars, including high-quality salmon roe and other premium fish roes, offer a more accessible entry point to the world of caviar tasting, with bold, clean flavours that work particularly well in certain culinary styles. These are also a good choice for cooking, where the subtleties of a premium Beluga would be lost.

Caviar Tasting Sets

A caviar taster set offers one of the most enjoyable ways to explore caviar, allowing you to compare several varieties side by side and develop a genuine sense of the differences between them. We stock tasting sets that bring together selected varieties in smaller quantities alongside extras like blinis, providing a complete tasting experience without the commitment of a full-sized tin. These sets also make outstanding food gifts for anyone with an interest in luxury ingredients, accompanied by a caviar spoon and a small jar of crème fraîche for a fully rounded experience.

How to Serve Caviar

Serving caviar properly involves a few simple principles that make a significant difference to the experience. Keep caviar chilled until the moment of serving, ideally on a bed of crushed ice. A caviar spoon made from mother of pearl, bone or crystal is essential, as metal oxidises the delicate flavour of the eggs and should be avoided entirely. Serve on a lightly toasted blini or a thin unsalted cracker, with a small amount of crème fraîche, finely chopped chives or a little hard-boiled egg if desired.

The classic accompaniment is a glass of well-chilled champagne, though a small measure of very cold vodka is equally traditional and works particularly well with the saltier, more pronounced Sevruga varieties. Caviar should be eaten in small quantities with full attention given to the flavour, allowing each mouthful to express itself before reaching for the next. Try this luxurious ingredient for yourself today and discover why it is so highly regarded around the world.

Caviar FAQs

1. What Is Caviar?

Caviar is the salted, cured roe of sturgeon fish, traditionally harvested from species including beluga, oscietra and sevruga. It is one of the most expensive and sought-after food products in the world, prized for its complex flavour, its delicate texture and its association with luxury and celebration. The finest caviar is produced in limited quantities from carefully managed sturgeon populations, contributing significantly to its rarity and value.

2. How Much Does Caviar Cost in the UK?

Caviar price in the UK varies widely depending on the variety and quantity. Beluga is the most expensive, reflecting the rarity and maturation time of the Huso huso sturgeon. Oscietra and sevruga are more accessible price points while still representing genuine luxury. Alternative roes offer a more affordable introduction to the world of caviar tasting. Browse current pricing in our caviar range at https://www.finefoodspecialist.co.uk/collections/caviar.

3. Can You Freeze Caviar?

Freezing caviar isn't recommended. The delicate nature of caviar, particularly its texture and flavour, can be altered when frozen and then thawed. The freezing process can cause the delicate eggs to burst, changing their texture and compromising their taste.

Caviar is best enjoyed fresh and should be kept refrigerated at temperatures between 28-32°F (-2 to 0°C). It's advisable to consume caviar promptly after opening to savour its best taste and quality. If stored properly in the refrigerator, unopened caviar can last for several weeks.

4. What Is a Caviar Tasting Set?

A caviar tasting set brings together two or more varieties of caviar in smaller quantities, allowing you to compare their flavours, textures and appearances side by side. These sets are available from Fine Food Specialist and make an excellent introduction to caviar for newcomers, as well as a thoughtful gift for food lovers. Many sets include serving accessories and suggested accompaniments to complete the experience.

5. Is Caviar Vegan?

No, caviar is not vegan. Caviar consists of cured fish eggs, specifically harvested from certain species of sturgeon. As it is an animal product derived from fish, it doesn't align with a vegan diet, which excludes all animal-derived foods and by-products.

6. Is Caviar Vegetarian?

The truth is that the status of caviar in a vegetarian diet is a bit nuanced. Vegetarianism typically excludes the consumption of meat but may allow for the consumption of animal by-products like dairy and eggs. However, caviar, being fish roe, does not align with a strict vegetarian diet since it involves the harvesting of fish eggs.

While definitions of vegetarianism can vary among individuals, many vegetarians choose to avoid fish and fish products, including caviar, due to ethical or environmental reasons. Therefore, in most cases, caviar is not considered vegetarian-friendly.

Visit our YouTube Channel: Guide to Different Types of Caviar

Read our blog: Discover the Various Types of Caviar

Caviar has long been seen as the pinnacle of luxury food. Defined by its rarity, its provenance and the extraordinary care required to produce it, caviar offers a flavour experience that is unlike any other, with each variety expressing the characteristics of the sturgeon species it comes from, the conditions in which the fish was raised and the expertise of the producer behind it. 

At Fine Food Specialist, we offer a carefully selected range of premium caviar in the UK, from classic Beluga and Oscietra to Sevruga and a selection of alternative roes, alongside caviar tasting sets, serving accessories and gift options for those wanting to share something truly special.