Caviar has always been a delicacy on the dining table, known as the "black gold" of food. Therefore, more people choose to bring caviar home for consumption. However, caviar is extremely perishable. How should caviar be stored?
Nutritional Value of Caviar
Caviar contains valuable nutrients such as proteins (arginine protein, histidine protein, isoleucine protein, lysine protein, methionine protein), fats (cholesterol, phosphorus), vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin B12), as well as lymphatic chylomicrons and vitamin B3 acid, which have significant health benefits. Caviar also contains trace elements, minerals, proteins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids needed for the skin. It can effectively nourish and moisturize the skin, making it smooth and radiant.
Reasons for the Perishability of Caviar
Caviar is an extremely perishable food, so the storage of caviar has always been a problem. In fact, caviar itself is not suitable for long-term storage due to its composition. Caviar has low fat content, high protein content, and low salt content. Fat and salt are key factors in preventing spoilage, making caviar highly susceptible to spoilage.
Methods of Storing Caviar
Most of the caviar we buy is canned sturgeon roe or precious canned caviar. Canned caviar needs to be frozen for storage. At a temperature of -2 to -4 degrees Celsius, canned caviar can be stored for about 18 months, while refrigeration in the refrigerator can only preserve it for 6 to 8 weeks.
How to Store Opened Caviar
Caviar is highly perishable, so it is generally sold and consumed in one go. Opened caviar can only be stored for 48 hours and needs to be chilled in the refrigerator. After opening, the caviar should be resealed and kept away from other foods in the refrigerator to avoid absorbing other flavors that may affect its freshness.
How to Determine if Caviar has Spoiled
The caviar we usually buy is usually in cans. Therefore, first check if the packaging of the caviar is intact and still in a vacuum state. Also, check the expiration date printed on the can.
When consuming, open the packaging and check if the caviar color is normal. Typically, canned caviar is black, slightly glossy, and has a subtle fishy smell. If the caviar has a different smell, it has spoiled.
Typically, caviar can be stored for 4 months in a sealed state at low temperatures. After opening, it can generally only be preserved for 48 hours.
Precautions for Consuming Caviar
1. Caviar is highly perishable, so it is recommended to consume it immediately after purchase. Refrigerate it as soon as possible after bringing it home to prevent spoilage and maintain its taste and nutritional value.
2. Caviar contains high levels of cholesterol, so it is advisable for the elderly and those with cardiovascular diseases to consume it in moderation.
3. Caviar is rich in nutrients and beneficial for the growth and development of children, making it suitable for children to consume.
