Caviar lovers know that the finest delicacies come only from sturgeon roe. But does all caviar come from the Caspian Sea?
Does all caviar come from the Caspian Sea? Historically, the term “caviar” has only been used to describe the roe of wild sturgeon in the Caspian and Black Seas (Osetra, Beluga, and Sevruga caviars). The roe of other sturgeon species, as well as those of other fish, including steelhead, trout, salmon, lumpfish, whitefish, and carp, can also be referred to as caviar.
Does All Caviar Come From the Caspian Sea?
Some of the world’s finest caviar does come from the Caspian Sea, but not all. The largest inland body of water in the world is home to several species of sturgeon. It is a type of fish that produces eggs prized for their delicate flavor and creamy texture. Sturgeon have been hunted for their roe for centuries, and the high demand for this gourmet food has led to overfishing and dwindling populations of wild sturgeon.
As a result, caviar from the Caspian Sea is now heavily regulated, and much of it comes from aquaculture operations. While the largest saltwater lake in the world still produces some of the best caviar in the world, there are now many excellent caviar sources beyond the Caspian region.
The Most Expensive Caviar Is Harvested in the Caspian Sea
The most expensive caviar in the world is known as Beluga caviar. This type of caviar is harvested from the Beluga sturgeon, which is a fish that is found in the Caspian Sea. The Beluga sturgeon can grow to be up to six feet long and can weigh over 1,000 pounds.
Roe, which is harvested from this fish, is known for its large, soft eggs. This caviar is also the most difficult to harvest, which makes it even more expensive. The average price for one ounce of Beluga caviar is around $1,000.
Other Types of Caviar
There has been a long time since the market only recognized Beluga caviar, Sevruga caviar, and Osetra caviar from the Caspian Sea as the only acceptable roe for caviar. However, times are changing, and the term caviar has expanded geographically. So, besides the traditional sturgeon caviars, here are some others:
- Sterlet sturgeon caviar,
- Kaluga sturgeon caviar,
- Hackleback sturgeon caviar,
- Salmon caviar (Salmon roe,)
- Sushi caviars or Flying Fish roe (Tobiko, Capelin, and Masago caviar).
The Types of Caspian Sea Caviar
When purchasing caviar, it is important to note that the price can vary significantly depending on the type, quality, and quantity. For example, a small tin of beluga caviar can cost hundreds of dollars, while a larger tin of sevruga caviar may be available for less than $100.
| Type of Caspian Sea caviar | Quality |
| Beluga | Large eggs and delicate flavor |
| Osetra | Medium-sized egg and a slightly nutty flavor |
| Sevruga | Smallest and most intensely flavored |
The Future of the Caspian Caviar
The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water in the world, and its caviar is among the most prized in the culinary world. But overfishing and environmental degradation are threatening the future of this delicacy.
The future of caviar is uncertain, but there are some efforts underway to protect it. Caspian Sea countries have agreed to limit sturgeon fishing, and caviar producers are working to develop sustainable farming practices.
