How to choose quality black caviar and avoid a fake: tips from experts

During the Easter holidays, you really want to treat yourself to something tasty and unusual. Black caviar will be a great addition to the festive table and will definitely delight everyone present. But, in order for the holiday not to be spoiled, it is necessary that the caviar is tasty and fresh.

That is why it is extremely important to know how to choose the right black caviar so as not to spend money on a fake or buy the one that was caught by poachers. Experts from the World Wide Fund for Nature Ukraine (WWF) told us about this in an exclusive commentary.

Where to buy black caviar?

You should not buy black caviar from small places as there is a high probability of getting the product from poachers. Sturgeons are an endangered species of fish, so this point is really extremely important.

Black caviar should be purchased only from specialized stores or companies that specialize in sturgeon farming. You can also buy black caviar in large chain supermarkets that really care about their reputation.

Pricing policy

When choosing black caviar, you should pay attention to its price. This product is never cheap. If you see black caviar in the store that is much cheaper than other caviar, do not even think about buying it.

Labeling on the package

Any jar of genuine black caviar should have a ribbon with the CITES code (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Only if it is present can you be sure that you are buying a really high-quality product.

When choosing black caviar, you should also pay attention to its appearance and taste, as well as take into account all signs of possible alterations.

Appearance

• Eggs: whole, without cracks. The same size and color.
• Consistency: eggs are easily separated from each other and are not sticky.
• Size: depending on the sturgeon species. Beluga is the largest, and stellate sturgeon is the smallest.
• Color: from gray to black. Shades are possible.

Taste

• Creamy, delicate, without foreign flavors.
• Slightly salty.
• Does not have a pronounced fish flavor.

Signs of counterfeiting

It's also important to know all the signs that indicate a fake:

• The eggs are perfectly round in shape.
• Strong fishy odor.
• Too thick or too liquid consistency.
• Uneven color.
• Artificial additives indicated on the package.