Pearls of Flavor
The ultimate luxury indulgence, caviar proves that true greatness comes in small packages
As long as I’ve known Kerri, the CEO here at Flavor South Florida, I’ve known this: She’s super cool and down-to-earth, and she’s also bougie and proud of it. She will always take “the upgrade” on anything, especially when traveling—the bigger hotel suite, the comfier seat on a plane, the better rental car. . . The girl likes what she likes, and I love her for it. And one thing she really likes? Caviar (surprise, surprise!).
I have to say, I was amused but definitely not surprised when I learned that Altima Caviar is a sponsor of our new podcast, Forking Around with Flavor South Florida. It’s a match made in heaven, really. Anyway, I thought it might be a good time to talk about caviar—what it is, where it comes from, the different types, and what makes it so damn good. So here we go…
What it is: Basically, caviar is the roe (unhatched eggs) of the sturgeon fish.
Where it comes from: The most precious caviar comes from fish living in the Caspian and Black seas. Because of overfishing, however, it is now sourced from all over the globe. Altima Caviar is super eco-conscious and vets its caviar only from certified sustainable sturgeon farms that mimic natural habitats. They source from sustainable farms in countries all over the world including Israel, Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
How it’s sourced: The egg pockets are removed from the fish while it’s alive. Altima packs each tin with eggs from a single fish.
What it tastes like: It depends on the type, but essentially it’s rich and buttery with a clean umami flavor and either creamy or nutty undertones. You really have to try it yourself to understand!
Different types: The main varieties of fine sturgeon caviar are Ossetra (or Oscietra), Kaluga, Beluga, Siberian, and Sevruga. The varieties differ in terms of flavor profile, size of the pearls, color, and the “pop” of the beads when you brush them with your tongue to release the flavors and aromas. Atlima offers lots of varieties—including two Oscietras, a Beluga hybrid, and a Siberian. They also offer a “Bump Set” for those who want to sample a variety.
Health benefits: Caviar is meant to be savored in small amounts (not eaten as a meal), and every little bit is good for you. This superfood is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and E, and omega-3 fatty acids.