How to Properly Prepare & Enjoy Caviar

There is something undeniably exquisite about caviar. The decadent flavors and textures come together to create a truly special dining experience every time. Many people associate caviar with elegant parties and fine dining restaurants, but it's actually quite simple to prepare and enjoy caviar in your own home. Use this guide to make sure your caviar tastes just as delectable as it does at the most upscale establishments.

Step 1: Select Premium Caviar

In order to get the very best caviar flavors, start by making sure yours comes from a quality source. Gourmet food lovers will be delighted to know that it's easy to order premium caviar online. However, there is plenty of subpar caviar available on the web as well, so it's important to look for these signs of a quality caviar product:

• Origins: Caviar is primarily sourced from Italy, Asia and regions near the Caspian Sea. Look for products that list specific origins for each type of caviar.
• Type: Beluga, Osetra and Sevruga are the three most renowned types of caviar. Of those, Beluga is likely the highest regarded, with Osetra a close second. Choose one or both of those types whenever possible.
• Color: Beluga caviar should have a light gray or charcoal gray tone. Osetra caviar varies in color from deep green to dark amber.
• Size: For Beluga caviar, you're looking for pearls that are approximately the size of peas. The size of Osetra caviar pearls can vary slightly, but they should be slightly larger than Beluga caviar's pea size.

It's important to keep caviar at optimum freshness to preserve the rich flavors. Once you receive your products, store them in the refrigerator, preferably in a lower drawer since that area tends to remain colder.

Step 2: Prepare the Accompaniments

The next step is preparing the accompaniments to go with your caviar. Although it can certainly be enjoyed on its own, many people find that consuming caviar with complementary foods only enhances the experience.

Perhaps the most popular accompaniment for caviar is toast points or blini. These foods provide a soft crunch (or a supple one, as with blini) that contrasts with the creamy delicateness of caviar pearls. At the same time, they can function as a convenient serving vessel. Add a small spoonful of caviar on top of a toast point each time you want to indulge, or have them ready to eat on a platter with a bite-size portions of caviar arranged on each blini.

Fine foods, such as Wagyu beef, can also be a delicious combination with caviar. The luscious texture of the Wagyu complements the creaminess of the caviar.

If you want to bring out the creaminess of your caviar, try combining your bite with a touch of crème-fraiche. This delicate accent creates a richer taste without overpowering the rich flavors of the caviar.

Finally, don't forget the drinks. Light, crisp beverages are ideal, so opt for white wine, chilled vodka or champagne.

Step 3: Serve with Proper Dishes and Utensils

Last but not least, pay close attention to what you use to serve and enjoy your caviar. The caviar should be kept cold until ready to eat, so keep prepped trays in the fridge or place a serving dish of caviar over ice.

Avoid using metallic spoons to consume premium caviar as well. These utensils can impact the flavors of your caviar, so opt for a neutral alternative instead. The top recommendation is a mother-of-pearl spoon, which won't impart flavors and looks elegant enough for serving such a sophisticated dish.