Beluga caviar is the rarest and most sought-after caviar variety in the world. Because true Beluga caviar was banned in the United States, it has an air of mystery to it that more accessible varieties lack.
Let's explore the rich history and controversy behind this incredible delicacy, as well as what you can do to get your hands on something close.
Where Does Beluga Caviar Come From?
Beluga sturgeon (huso huso) is an ancient fish with a long, whiskered snout and bony plates instead of scales. The prehistoric species existed in the inland seas of Eurasia for millennia, and we've been eating its eggs for almost the same amount of time.
The ancient Persians were among the first to prepare and eat sturgeon roe. They named this new dish "khaviyar," which eventually became "caviar" as it expanded to other cultures.
Thousands of years later, caviar became a peasant food. Slavic fishermen would harvest sturgeon, and their families would use every part of the fish as food. It also had a common reputation in the 19th-century United States, where saloon owners would hand out free caviar to encourage more drink sales.
However, it was the Russian tsars that elevated caviar to luxury status. Pairing the dish with chilled vodka provided a clean chaser for the caviar's nuanced flavors — and we still pair the two to this day. Demand for Beluga caviar spiked, which drove the price and led to the overfishing of the sturgeon population.
Today, caviar is still perceived as a luxury food.
What Does Beluga Caviar Taste Like?
Beluga caviar has a soft, delicate texture and rich flavor with a clean finish and nutty undertones. While caviar should never have a strong "fishy" taste, Beluga caviar has an especially mild flavor profile compared to other varieties, and the flavor does not linger on the palate. Some other key differences include:
- Size: The eggs are larger than many other types of caviar, often reaching the size of peas.
- Color: Beluga caviar pearls typically appear light gray to almost black, and they stand out among other sturgeon roes for their delicate color. That said, caviar from an albino Beluga sturgeon — known as the Almas sturgeon — is unique for its smooth, pearly white appearance.
- Pairings: While you can eat Beluga caviar with the typical accoutrements, such as blinis with crème fraîche, it's decadent enough to enjoy right from the spoon with a shot of plain vodka.
How Is Beluga Caviar Harvested?
Traditionally, people would harvest Beluga caviar by cutting the fish open and removing the eggs. This process is unsustainable because it kills the fish and prevents them from reproducing again.
Today, more sustainable harvesting methods make it possible to harvest caviar without ending the fish's life. For example, many farms use a massage technique to gently trigger the sturgeon to release its eggs as it would in a normal delivery. This technique allows the fish to survive and go on to produce more caviar.
Is Beluga Caviar Illegal?
Technically, yes — Beluga caviar is illegal in the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service banned the import of Beluga caviar in 2005. However, one farm in Florida is allowed to raise and sell Beluga sturgeon and its caviar domestically. Several other countries outside the Caspian Sea, such as Madagascar, are also seeing a rise in independent sturgeon farms.
You can also bring up to 125 grams of Beluga caviar back from other countries if you find yourself abroad. If you find yourself wanting more after you run through that supply, though, you can try some other varieties of caviar to find one you love.
Why Is Beluga Caviar So Expensive?
The highest quality Beluga caviar can cost thousands of dollars per ounce, especially when it's harvested from more mature sturgeon. This high price is due to several factors:
- Sturgeon reproduction cycles: Female Beluga sturgeons take at least 15 years to reach reproductive age, making harvesting their eggs a long waiting game.
- Legal protections: In an effort to allow Beluga sturgeon populations to thrive again, various international organizations enacted protective regulations that made legally obtaining Beluga caviar much more difficult.
- Labor and expertise: The high degree of skill and precision needed to humanely harvest fish roe drives up the cost of labor. Knowledgeable professionals must then grade the caviar before it can go to market to ensure it is of the highest quality.
What Are Some Beluga Caviar Alternatives?
Even though you likely cannot get true Beluga caviar here in the States, other varieties offer a similar taste and texture.
1. River Beluga Caviar
The specific composition of River Beluga caviar can vary between producers. Some exclusively use Kaluga sturgeon from the Amur River Basin, while others use a blend of roes to ensure the product is as close to true Beluga caviar as possible.
At Petrusco Caviar, our River Beluga is a sumptuous blend of Shassetra and Kaluga sturgeon roe, which creates a rich yet balanced flavor with nutty, briny notes and a creamy texture.
Its pearls are large and firm, with a dark golden color that dazzles in a mother-of-pearl dish. We recommend pairing yours with a dry Champagne or high-quality chilled vodka for delightful hors d'oeuvres. You can also top pasta dishes with a spoonful to add a little extra class to your everyday dinner.
2. Royal Ossetra Caviar
With its buttery texture and deep coloring, Royal Ossetra is a beautifully rich alternative to true Beluga caviar. It comes from the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii), which has a slow reproduction cycle similar to that of the Beluga sturgeon. This species can be found in the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Azov.
While its pearls are smaller than Beluga caviar, Ossetra caviar features an equally complex flavor with buttery, nutty tones and a decadently fatty texture. Its bold, briny finish leaves a hint of the sea lingering on your palate and adds a sharp accent to any meal or appetizer.
Try it with deviled eggs, buttered toast, smoked salmon, and other rich foods for a deeply satisfying bite. If you need a beverage to accompany the dish, try a dry Champagne or white wine.
Indulge in Beluga Caviar Alternatives From Petrusco Caviar
While you may not be able to import true Beluga caviar in the U.S., there are many similar varieties to choose from. These varieties offer an equally delicate taste and texture — and they're available online from Petrusco Caviar.
Petrusco Caviar is dedicated to producing and distributing fine delicacies, from the highest quality caviar to Wagyu steaks and decadent cheeses.
Purchase a tin of River Beluga or Royal Ossetra today to enjoy this rich treat in the comfort of your own home, or try a tasting pack to find your favorite variety.
