Beluga, scientifically known as Huso Huso, is a majestic member of the sturgeon family and one of the most ancient fish species on Earth. Originating from the Caspian Sea, these remarkable creatures are distinguished by their bony plates, shark-like tails, and elongated snouts. As the largest of their kind, Beluga sturgeons are the only carnivorous species in their family, with a lineage dating back 200 million years to the time of dinosaurs.
Record figures that were recorded are weight up to 1.5 tons and length of about 4.5 meters. Beluga caviar is one of the most luxurious and delicious products one can find. Female sturgeons, which can live for over 110 years, do not begin producing eggs until they reach about 20 years of age.
Beluga caviar, renowned for its larger size (3.5-4 mm in diameter), also features a unique color spectrum, ranging from light gray to deep anthracite. The luxurious texture and taste of Beluga caviar, known for its soft, creamy consistency and delicate flavor that melts in the mouth, set it apart from other types of caviar.
It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of black caviar for the human body because beluga caviar is one of the most balanced foods and a real natural storehouse of nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids. More than a quarter of caviar consists of protein, which is very easy to digest, providing precious amino acids as well.
Fatty acids in beluga caviar are present in a smaller amount than in other sturgeons; however, even here, their effect on the body is significant:
The concentration of vitamin D in 100 grams of product covers 80% of the daily requirement: such a natural gift is what you must definitely try. Eating caviar is one of the most effective ways to make up for its deficiency in your body. The main functions of vitamin D are as follows:
While Beluga caviar is distinguished by its size and flavor, other sturgeons like Kaluga, Sevruga, and Ossetra offer their own unique flavors and textures. Kaluga caviar, also known as "River Beluga," is known for its smooth, buttery flavor with an earthy note, while Sevruga caviar, smaller and more fragile, offers a smooth, buttery taste with a hint of saltiness. Ossetra caviar, highly valued in the caviar market, presents a rich, nutty flavor with medium-sized eggs that vary in color.
Feature | Beluga Caviar | Kaluga Caviar | Sevruga Caviar | Ossetra Caviar |
Scientific Name | Huso huso | Huso dauricus | Acipenser stellatus | Acipenser gueldenstaedtii |
Origin | Caspian Sea | Amur River basin | Caspian Sea | Caspian, Black, and Azov Seas |
Roe Size | 3.5-4 mm (largest among sturgeon) | Large | Small and fragile | Medium-sized |
Roe Color | Light gray to deep anthracite | Greenish-brown to black | Grey to black | Light gray to dark/golden brown |
Taste | Soft, creamy, delicate | Earthy, buttery with a salty note | Smooth, buttery with saltiness | Creamy, rich, nutty |
Texture | Melts in the mouth | Smooth and firm | Delicate | Firm, distinct grains |
Conservation Status | Endangered | Near Threatened | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
Price | from £3,500 | from £1,000 | from £3,000 | from £900 |
So, beluga caviar has always been considered a delicacy, starting from the royal tables and ending today. In general, it is called black, although there are many varieties: black, white, gold, and even diamond. The lighter the product, the more valued it is.
Black, more precisely, dark gray, is the most common. The older the fish, the more useful the composition and richer the taste. White caviar is the most expensive. It is obtained from the albino beluga. Iran is the main supplier. It has a color from almost white with golden glimpses to amber-gold.
Given that the fish itself is an endangered species, caviar is obtained from artificially bred representatives at specialized rates. Its supply to the market is very small, and the price is high.
As you can see, beluga caviar is a highly valuable product, so, understandably, the price corresponds. Beluga caviar is the most expensive type of caviar, with present market prices ranging from £3,500 to £8,000 per 1 kg. In our store, you can find beluga caviar in cans from 30 to 100 grams.
As we savor Beluga caviar, it's important to acknowledge the environmental and ethical considerations involved in its production. The sturgeon, particularly the Beluga, faces challenges due to habitat destruction and overfishing. Our commitment to sourcing caviar from sustainable farms is a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship and ethical responsibility.
Looking ahead, the future of Beluga caviar is intertwined with ongoing conservation efforts and the advancement of sustainable farming practices. These efforts ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this unparalleled delicacy while preserving the species for years to come.
Nowadays, one can find anything on the Internet, and such a luxurious product as beluga caviar is not an exception. In our store, we offer top products of the highest quality at the best prices. Browse our catalog and make sure the selection is really impressive. Make an order and enjoy the excellent taste of the freshest products.
What makes Beluga caviar so unique compared to other caviars?
Beluga caviar is unique due to its large roe size, distinct light gray to anthracite color, and its soft, creamy texture that melts in the mouth. It's also one of the rarest and most luxurious types of caviar, given the beluga sturgeon's endangered status and long maturity age.
Why is Beluga caviar so expensive?
The high cost of Beluga caviar is due to several factors: the rarity of the Beluga sturgeon, the lengthy maturity period of the fish, and the challenges associated with sustainable farming practices. Additionally, its exceptional taste and texture contribute to its high value.
Is Beluga caviar legal to buy and consume?
The legality of Beluga caviar depends on the region. In some countries, including the U.S., the import and sale of wild Beluga caviar is banned due to conservation efforts. However, farm-raised Beluga caviar is available and legal in many parts of the world.
How should Beluga caviar be served and eaten?
Beluga caviar is best served chilled on a non-metallic spoon, like one made of mother-of-pearl, to avoid altering its flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own or served on blinis or toast points with minimal garnishes like crème fraîche, lemon, or chives to not overpower its delicate taste.
Can I store Beluga caviar, and if so, how?
Yes, Beluga caviar can be stored. It should be kept unopened in the coldest part of your refrigerator (ideally at 28 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Once opened, it should be consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and taste.
Last update: 08.12.2023
Our bestsellers
More Recipes & Tips
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Ossetra caviar. With its medium-sized eggs, this delicacy offers a buttery taste and a subtle hint of nuttiness. Elevate your dining experience with this luxurious treat, perfect for special occasions.
While the original Persian word khavyar simply means "egg," not every egg can be described as caviar. Some producers tend to apply this prestigious label to any type of roe from capelin to salmon and everything in between.
Whether you want to enjoy the luxurious black caviar or prefer to opt for a less costly red variety, it is important to know how to serve caviar. Read on to learn what garnishes and drinks to offer to your party.
There are many different technologies for extracting caviar, depending on a variety of factors. And since a thorough discussion of this topic falls outside the scope of our article, we will only describe the most common method...
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Ossetra caviar. With its medium-sized eggs, this delicacy offers a buttery taste and a subtle hint of nuttiness. Elevate your dining experience with this luxurious treat, perfect for special occasions.
While the original Persian word khavyar simply means "egg," not every egg can be described as caviar. Some producers tend to apply this prestigious label to any type of roe from capelin to salmon and everything in between.
Whether you want to enjoy the luxurious black caviar or prefer to opt for a less costly red variety, it is important to know how to serve caviar. Read on to learn what garnishes and drinks to offer to your party.
There are many different technologies for extracting caviar, depending on a variety of factors. And since a thorough discussion of this topic falls outside the scope of our article, we will only describe the most common method...