Beluga Caviar
Beluga caviar consists of the roe or eggs of the elusive beluga sturgeon. The fish is found mainly in the Caspian Sea but can also be found in the Black Sea and occasionally the Adriatic Sea. Beluga caviar is the most expensive type of caviar. The present market price of the item is about $7,000 to $10,000 per 1 kg or 2.2 lb. A black caviar, Beluga caviar is considered one of the true caviars because it comes from the roe of a sturgeon rather than a different fish.
The Beluga sturgeon is currently considered to be endangered which caused the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to ban the importation of Beluga caviar in 2005. In 2006, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species also suspended all trade made with the traditional caviar-producing sturgeons of the Black and Caspian Seas. This was mainly due to the exporting countries' failure to apply international regulations and recommendations. Iran was the only country that was exempted from this ban.
Beluga sturgeons take up to 20 years to reach maturity. The fish harvested for caviar are often nearly 2,000 pounds. The eggs are the largest of the sturgeon and range in color from dark gray (almost black) to light gray. The lighter colored eggs come from older fish and are the ones that are the most highly valued. A certain variety of sturgeon roe known as Almas taken from a centennial female sturgeon is the rarest type of Beluga caviar available. Its small production and rarity means that it reaches almost $25,000 per kilogram.
Generally, the less that is added to the caviar, the most expensive it is. Additions such as processing and adding sweetness to the item will make it lose some of its value. Also, other forms of caviar are less expensive. Salmon roe or red caviar and the roe of fish other than sturgeon or American caviar are also less expensive than black caviar or true caviar.
A reflection of wealth and luxury, Beluga caviar is usually handled with a spoon made of mother of pearl, bone, or other non-metallic material. The reason for this is that metal utensils tend to spoil the taste of the delicate caviar and produce a metallic taste. Beluga caviar is generally served by itself on toast. Red caviar, American caviar, and other types of caviar can be served in a variety of ways including in hollowed and cooked new potatoes, on a blintz, or garnished with sour cream, minced onion or minced hardboiled egg whites. Types of higher end caviar including Beluga caviar generally receive little embellishment.
Beluga sturgeon are found mainly in the Caspian Sea, and are considered the most exlusive kind of caviar. As a type of black caviar which is held in high esteem by aficionados worldwide, beluga caviar prices can reach in excess of ten thousand dollars per kilogram. Because of these high prices, the bounty for the beluga sturgeon has significantly decreased the number of fish and they was considered a endangered species until 2007.
A variety of caviar which is extremely rare is called 'Alma' caviar, and is gathered from the centennial female sturge, a scarce species. The Almas beluga caviar can reach over twenty five thousand dollars per kilogram. Remember to keep this information in mind next time you go to buy beluga caviar online.
Beluga caviar of the Black and Caspian Seas are one of the rarest and most expensive types of black caviar. The endangered nature of these sturgeons limits the amount of beluga caviar that is exported. Fishing for beluga caviar was illegal up until 2007 when there was a partial lift on the beluga caviar band. The rarity of beluga caviar makes it the most expensive and luxurious of all caviars.
For customers who still want to experience the luxury and flavor of caviar without the price, MailorderCaviar.com also offers a selection of red caviar and American caviar which are still luxurious alternatives to beluga caviar without the price or rarity.
