Caviar is the lightly salted roe, or eggs, of the sturgeon. That's the whole definition, and it's narrower than most people expect. Salmon roe, trout roe and lumpfish roe are all delicious, but strictly speaking they aren't caviar. True caviar only comes from sturgeon, a family of ancient fish that has existed for millions of years. Because sturgeon roe is usually dark, true caviar is often called black caviar, while salmon roe is known as red caviar.
Where Does Caviar Come From?
For centuries, caviar came from wild sturgeon in the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. Wild sturgeon numbers have fallen sharply, and international trade in wild sturgeon caviar is now tightly restricted. Today, almost all caviar sold around the world comes from sturgeon raised on farms, where the fish take many years to mature before they produce roe.
How Is Caviar Made?
The process is simple, but it takes skill and care:
- Harvesting: the roe is carefully removed from a mature sturgeon.
- Cleaning: the eggs are gently separated and rinsed, so only whole, even pearls remain.
- Salting: a small amount of salt is added to preserve the roe and bring out its flavour. Good caviar is often called malossol, a Russian word meaning "little salt".
- Packing: the caviar is packed into tins and kept very cold until it reaches you.
The Main Types of Caviar
Caviar is usually named after the type of sturgeon it comes from. Each one has its own pearl size, texture and flavour.
| Type | Pearls | Flavour |
|---|---|---|
| Beluga | Large and soft | Creamy, buttery, delicate |
| Osetra | Medium and firm | Nutty, rich, gently briny |
| Sevruga | Small | More intense and briny |
| Golden caviar | Varies | Rare, lighter-coloured roe prized for its look |
Beluga and Osetra are the two names most people know. If you're choosing between them, our Beluga vs Osetra comparison explains the difference in detail, and our complete guide to Beluga caviar covers Beluga on its own.
What Does Caviar Taste Like?
Good caviar doesn't taste "fishy". It tastes clean and lightly of the sea, with a gentle saltiness and a rich, buttery finish. The texture is part of the pleasure: the pearls feel smooth on the tongue, and when you press them gently against the roof of your mouth, they release their flavour. Softer caviars like Beluga feel creamy, while firmer ones like Osetra give a small pop.
How Is Caviar Graded?
There's no single worldwide grading system, but caviar is generally judged on the same few qualities:
- Pearl size: larger pearls are usually more sought-after.
- Colour: caviar ranges from dark grey and black to amber and golden. Lighter, golden shades are rarer.
- Firmness: the pearls should be whole and separate, not crushed or mushy.
- Flavour: clean, balanced and never too salty.
These qualities, along with the type of sturgeon, are what make one caviar cost more than another. You can see how this plays out in our caviar prices in Dubai guide.
How Do You Eat Caviar?
Simply, and cold. Serve it straight from the tin on crushed ice, using a mother of pearl spoon rather than metal, which can affect the taste. Try the first spoonful plain, then enjoy it on blinis with a little crème fraîche. Plan on about 28g per person for a generous serving. Our guide on how to serve caviar covers pairings, portions and hosting tips.
How to Buy Fresh Caviar in the UAE
Because caviar is fresh and delicate, how it's handled matters as much as the type you choose. A few things to look for:
- Cold delivery: caviar should arrive chilled, in insulated packaging. In the UAE heat, this is essential.
- A clear date: check the date on the tin, and keep it in the fridge until you serve it.
- The right size: buy a tin you'll finish soon after opening, since opened caviar is best within three days. Our guide on how to store caviar explains why.
At Samarkha, every tin is delivered the same day across all seven emirates in an insulated bag with frozen gel packs. Browse our black caviar collection to compare Beluga, Osetra and Royal caviar from AED 375.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is caviar made of?
Caviar is made of sturgeon roe, the fish's eggs, cured with a small amount of salt.
Is salmon roe caviar?
Not strictly. Salmon roe is often called "red caviar", but true caviar only comes from sturgeon. Our guide to black caviar vs red caviar explains the difference.
Why is caviar so expensive?
Sturgeon take many years to mature before they produce roe, and the caviar must be harvested, salted and kept cold with great care. Rarer types, like Beluga and golden caviar, cost more.
Does caviar taste fishy?
Good caviar shouldn't. It tastes clean, lightly briny and buttery. A strong fishy smell is a sign it's past its best.
Where can I buy caviar in Dubai?
You can order online from Samarkha for same-day chilled delivery across the UAE. Explore our full range of caviar in Dubai.