Caviar is a fresh, delicate product, and the way you store it makes a real difference to how it tastes. The good news is that it's simple: keep it very cold, keep it closed and eat it soon after opening. Here's what you need to know, starting with the moment your delivery arrives.
The Short Version
- Store caviar in the fridge between −3°C and 0°C
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually at the back of the lowest shelf
- Keep the tin closed until you serve it
- Once opened, finish it within three days
- Don't freeze it
When Your Caviar Arrives
Every Samarkha order arrives in an insulated thermal bag with frozen gel packs, which keeps the caviar cold on its way to you. The bag is made for the journey, not for storage. As soon as the order is with you, take the tin out and put it in the fridge, especially during the UAE summer, when even a few minutes in a warm car or room is best avoided. Read more about how we deliver caviar across the UAE.
Where to Put It in the Fridge
Most home fridges are set warmer than caviar likes. Place the tin at the back of the lowest shelf, where it's coldest, and away from the door, which warms up every time it's opened. For extra cold, rest the tin on a small bowl of ice inside the fridge and replace the ice as it melts.
Storing Unopened Caviar
An unopened tin keeps longer than an opened one, as long as it stays cold the whole time. Check the date on the tin and keep it refrigerated until the day you serve it. Don't open it early just to have a look: once the seal is broken, the three-day window begins.
Storing Opened Caviar
Once opened, caviar is best eaten within three days. To keep leftovers in good condition:
- Gently smooth the surface with your spoon.
- Lay a piece of cling film lightly on the caviar to keep the air out.
- Close the lid tightly.
- Return the tin to the coldest part of the fridge straight away.
Can You Freeze Caviar?
We don't recommend it. Freezing changes the texture of the pearls, which can turn soft or mushy when they thaw, and some of the flavour is lost. Caviar is meant to be enjoyed fresh, so it's better to buy the size you need than to plan on freezing leftovers.
How Long Can Caviar Stay Out of the Fridge?
As short a time as possible. While you're serving, keep the tin on crushed ice, and put it back in the fridge as soon as everyone has finished. Never leave an open tin at room temperature or in the sun. Our guide on how to serve caviar has more tips for hosting.
Signs Caviar Is Past Its Best
Fresh caviar smells clean and lightly of the sea, and the pearls look glossy and separate. If it smells strongly fishy or sour, if the pearls look dull, dry or mushy, or if there's a lot of liquid in the tin, don't eat it.
Buy the Right Size and Waste Nothing
The easiest way to avoid storage worries is to buy a tin you'll finish in one sitting. Allow about 28g per person for a generous serving, or 10–15g per person for canapés. A 50g tin suits one or two people, while a 250g tin covers a dinner for four to eight. You'll find every size in our caviar prices in Dubai guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should caviar be stored at?
Between −3°C and 0°C, in the coldest part of the fridge.
How long does caviar last once opened?
Enjoy it within three days of opening, with the lid closed tightly and the tin kept in the fridge.
Can caviar be frozen?
It's not recommended. Freezing damages the texture and flavour of the pearls.
How long can caviar stay out of the fridge?
Only while you're serving it, and always on ice. Put it back in the fridge straight after.
Does the thermal bag keep caviar cold?
Yes, during delivery. Move the tin to the fridge as soon as it arrives. If you're taking caviar to a picnic or onto a yacht, an extra thermal bag (AED 125) helps keep it cold on the way.
Ready to order? Choose Beluga, Osetra or another tin from our caviar collection, or compare them in our Beluga vs Osetra guide.