Food is a necessity for people, and we need to eat every day. Some foods are so rare and precious that they are not only difficult to find but also expensive, such as caviar. Why is caviar so expensive?
The Most Expensive Caviar in the World
Almas caviar is currently the most expensive caviar in the world. Almas means "diamond" in Russian, which gives you an idea of how expensive this caviar is. It is out of reach for the average person, with a price tag of $23,308 for a 32-ounce box, which works out to about $30 per gram.
The Reasons for the High Price of Caviar
Limited Production of Fish Eggs
Not all fish eggs can be called caviar. Only the eggs of sturgeon can be used to make caviar, and there are over 20 species of sturgeon, but only 3 of them are used for caviar production. The highest grade is Beluga caviar, which is produced by mature Beluga sturgeon over 60 years old. The annual production is less than 100 fish. The second is Asetra caviar, made from eggs produced by sturgeon over 40 years old. Lastly, there is Sevruga caviar, made from eggs produced by sturgeon over 20 years old.
High Demands in Caviar Production
Caviar is known as a "fragile delicacy." The raw materials are already very rare, and any mistakes in the production process can render it worthless. To turn fish eggs into caviar, over a dozen steps must be completed within 15 minutes. Only professional caviar masters can ensure the purity of the taste. It is the artful skill and knowledge, just like the excellent craftsmanship in a Tiffany diamond ring, that make caviar extremely valuable.
The Nutritional Value of Caviar
In the past, people sought after caviar for fashion and trendiness. It was a product of following the crowd. But in recent years, with the advancement of sturgeon farming techniques, sturgeon is no longer as rare as before, and the amount of fish eggs has increased. However, this does not mean that the price of caviar will decrease, as its rich nutritional value determines its wide market.
Caviar contains protein, fatty acids, various vitamins, mineral salts, and multiple amino acids. It not only effectively nourishes and moisturizes the skin, but also promotes smooth and radiant skin, known as the "youth-reviving" effect. Therefore, caviar is still referred to as "black gold."
How to Eat Caviar
Common Ways to Eat Caviar
Place caviar in a small dish with ice to maintain its freshness and taste. You can also add different condiments according to personal preference. The most classic and popular condiments are sour cream and toasted white bread. As for beverages, vodka or champagne are the best choices to complement the taste of caviar.
Note: Avoid pairing caviar with strongly flavored condiments such as onions or lemons.
Caviar Salad
Ingredients: eggs, caviar, onions, lettuce, and French dressing
Instructions: Boil the eggs and cut them in half. Remove the yolks intact. Finely chop the onions and mix them with the egg yolks and French dressing. Fill the egg whites with the mixture. Shred the lettuce and place it on a plate as a base. Arrange the eggs on top and garnish the yolks with caviar using a wooden spoon. For an aesthetic touch, you can also use lettuce or other vegetables for decoration.