Classification of Black Caviar

Caviar varies in color, size, taste, quality and price. With so many caviar products on the market and so many different types it is difficult to distinguish and choose the right one. Here is a simple classification and some guidelines on how to choose caviar to ensure great taste and nutritional value.

The word caviar means processed and ready to consume product consisting of fish roe (unfertilized eggs of a female fish). The two main kinds of caviar are red and black. The color, taste, appearance and size of the grains as well as price of caviar depend on the kind of fish and in some countries age of the fish. Black caviar is obtained from sturgeon and thus is often called sturgeon caviar. It is then divided as follows depending on the type of fish from sturgeon family:

Beluga caviar is obtained from beluga fish and is considered to be the most expensive. Beluga black caviar has the largest grains, reaching 2.5 mm in diameter, which are silver grey in color.

Ossetra caviar or sturgeon caviar is obtained from ossetra fish and has slightly smaller grains, a little more than 1 mm in diameter. Ossetra caviar is dark bronze in color with delicate aroma and taste.

Sterlet caviar is considered the least expensive since it has the smallest grains, which are pure black, and is obtained from sterlet, the third fish from sturgeon family. However, Sterlet caviar is not inferior to beluga’s caviar in its nutritional value.

In addition, the appearance of black caviar greatly depends on the brand and the manufacturer such as Russian Sturgeon, which is a well trusted Russian manufacturer. Good quality caviar contains of good looking shiny grains, which are not destroyed and do not stick to each other.

On the contrary, illegally produced and cheap caviar might have grains with distorted shape, color and aroma. In addition, there is always a potential that poor quality caviar has been prepared in poor sanitary conditions using roe from fishes, which were illegally taken from the ocean.

The age of fish also determines the quality of black caviar in some countries. However, many gourmets agree that there is no difference in taste; and the age of the fish only adds a rare color to caviar.
When it comes to choosing caviar for your special dinner, it is important to choose a trustworthy brand, which will guarantee a good quality product. And any kind of good quality black caviar is a delicate and healthy treat.

You can purchase sterlet black caviar from Rus-Caviar, the importer of well trusted Russian Sturgeon brand here: sturgeon caviar.

Is Black Caviar Safe?

Mainly, pregnant women are the ones questioning the safety of caviar, during pregnancy in particular. However, high levels of mercury and sodium can affect anybody, not just pregnant women.

Listeria

Listeria is a type of harmful bacteria, which can be found in some contaminated foods. Pregnant women are more susceptible to listeria, which can harm both the mother and the baby. In order to avoid this, pregnant women are advised to consume only pasteurized caviar, such as Russian Sturgeon caviar.

The label on the jar should state clearly that the caviar is in fact pasteurized. In case if the label is not readable or not available, you should either contact the manufacturer or choose not to consume that product. Listeria is generally found in caviar, which is NOT pasteurized. Although the levels are usually minimal to none and are not usually harmful to healthy adults, however, pregnant women at in a high risk zone.

Mercury Levels

Mercury is a heavy metal, which is found in many seafood products and which is harmful when consumed in certain quantities, especially by pregnant, or breastfeeding women and young children. According to FDA, black caviar is among the seafood product, which contain the lowest mercury level and. Therefore, according to FDA it is safe to eat up to two 6-oz servings (normal size meal) per week.

Sodium Intake

Many preserved foods contain high amounts of sodium, which can be harmful to pregnant women, babies, children and adults with certain health conditions. This is why it is recommended to consume “malossol” caviar, which stands for “low sodium” black caviar. Malossol caviar was prepared with the minimum amount of salt required to preserve the roe and is considered safer than the regular one. It still should be consumed moderately by pregnant women.

Overall, it is advised to purchase and consume well trusted good quality black or sturgeon caviar, which is pasteurized and malossol. Thus, you can safely enjoy the delicate taste and benefit from high nutritious value.

Healthy and Elegant Treat – Black Caviar

Black Caviar is not only a delicious delicacy but also a highly nutritional food. It has always been used in Russia to improve one’s health, strengthen immune system as well as slow down aging.

Caviar is a great source of protein; a single teaspoon provides 4 g. Moreover, protein contained in black caviar is easily absorbed by the body.

Also, black caviar is rich in vitamins A, E, D, B12 and therefore can help you maintain your skin stay and look healthier and younger. It can actually help to renew and regenerate skin sells and prolong youths.

High levels of iron make black caviar a great treat for those with iron deficiency since a single table spoon contains 11% of iron. It is also rich in Ca, Mg, selenium and other minerals.

Some worry that caviar contains too much calories and fat. However, caviar fat contains high levels of iodine, which is important for overall health and brain development and are very important for children, pregnant and nursing women. Black caviar also has a considerable quantity of very useful polynonsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which promote improvement of brain activity, raise immunity, reduce probability of cardiovascular diseases and improve blood circulation in small blood vessels, and reduce risk of development of some kinds of cancer. According to some researchers, Omega-3 fatty acids can also help in deterring depressions. In addition, black caviar is known to regulate blood pressure thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

In addition, caviar is considered an aphrodisiac food. It is high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.

If you are concerned about sodium content, then it is better to purchase malossol caviar, which is the Russian term for “low sodium” and indicates that the roe is preserved with a minimum amount of salt.

So, black caviar is definitely not simply a delicate and elegant treat but a healthy super food, which can enhance your health, well being and slow down aging process.

Sturgeon black caviar can be purchased here: black sturgeon caviar. They sell quality caviar imported from Russia.