How to tell if Caspian Sea Caviar is real or fake?
Sturgeon fish eggs are known as Caspian Sea caviar. Although there are various varieties of caviar, each one yields a unique kind; salmon and salmon eggs are not regarded as caviar. In addition to its various health benefits, caviar is high in calcium, acids, and the vitamins B, A, D, and E. fatty acids with omega 3. However, fake caviar not only has no qualities of its own, but because it contains paraffin, it can also be harmful to human health. In this sense, the downside of fake caviar outweighs the benefits. One of the most costly marine products is caviar, sometimes referred to as black pearl.
However, in an effort to increase their profits, a lot of swindlers might trick ignorant individuals into purchasing phony caviar at a reduced cost. Furthermore, a lot of vendors might even charge a low price for rotting caviar. For this reason, we are here to teach you how to tell real caviar from imitation caviar.
How do you know if caviar is authentic or fake?
- Genuine caviar seeds ought to possess homogeneous size and color, as opposed to counterfeit caviar, which varies in size within a single can and has an uneven surface color.
- A good sign to diagnose caviar is the absence of mucus plaque and blood clots.
- When pressed, superior caviar seeds crumble, but fake caviar seeds rupture. Thus, apply pressure to some seeds and keep an eye on this problem.
- Another way to identify real caviar is to pour some caviar in a glass of boiling water. If it is real caviar, the color of the water will turn white and the caviar will harden, while fake caviar will dissolve in boiling water. Also, if you add some caviar to water at normal temperature, the color of the water should not darken.
- Production date, storage conditions and shelf life are some of the information that should be written on the lid of original caviar containers.
- Caviar should be kept at a temperature between -3 and +3 degrees Celsius, and keeping it at room temperature causes the quality of caviar to be lost and spoilage, in which case caviar takes on a watery and soupy state. So if you see a can of caviar being sold outside or on the store shelf while shopping, be sure that it is fake caviar.
- Another way to distinguish real caviar from fake caviar is the price of caviar. Because usually the price of counterfeit caviar is significantly different from the original caviar and is lower so that people are easily deceived by the low prices. Therefore, the cheapness of caviar is not without reason, and we do not recommend buying millet caviar.
- Depending on the type of caviar, the color of genuine caviar is usually lighter than black, but the color of fake caviar is black and shiny, which is due to the presence of paraffin. Of course, the spelt of non-caviar fishes also have different colors. Therefore, paying attention to the difference between fake caviar and original caviar is another issue that must be paid attention to so that you can prepare original caviar.
- Original caviar has a salty, nutty and buttery taste, while fake caviar has a completely different taste.
- Packaging in plastic containers is not suitable for real caviar, the alternative is to pack in glass cans where you can easily see the caviar and evaluate its quality. And if you don’t like glass cans, buy caviar in special cans. Therefore, if you see caviar in plastic cans, doubt its authenticity.
- There is usually a piece of thread around the packaging of genuine and non-falsified caviar with a piece of lead attached to it. The product code and manufacturer’s brand are engraved on the lead. If you bought a product that was not like this, it is undoubtedly a fake product.
Types of caviar processing
According to the processing method, there are four types of caviar:
1-Malossol
Malossol is a Russian term that means “little salt.” It refers to caviar that has been cured with a very low percentage of salt. This term indicates that the roe has been processed with the least amount of salt possible. Many believe that less salt is better for the quality of caviar, however, less salt also means that the caviar is highly perishable and therefore much more expensive.
Here are some key points about Malossol caviar:
Low salt content:
Malossol caviar contains less salt than other types of caviar, typically around 3-5%. This gives it a more delicate flavor and a smoother texture.
Perishable:
Because of its low salt content, Malossol caviar is more perishable than other types of caviar. It should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days of opening.
Expensive:
Malossol caviar is more expensive than other types of caviar due to its high quality and perishability.
Flavor:
Malossol caviar has a delicate, briny flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste. It is often described as having a “clean” or “pure” flavor.
Texture:
Malossol caviar has a soft, creamy texture. The eggs should be firm and plump, with a slight pop when bitten into.
2-Salted Caviar
seasoned salt The majority of salt caviar varieties have advantages. Several chefs favor the Malossol variety of caviar, however there are several varieties with varying salinity content.
3-Pressed Caviar
After sieving, weak, fractured, and damaged caviar is turned into pressed caviar. To acquire a compact consistency, these eggs are pasteurized, salted, and compressed. This variety of caviar is placed over edible food and used in specific recipes.
4-Pasteurized Caviar
Pasteurized caviar is stronger than other types of caviar. This type of caviar is heat-processed and then stored in vacuum glass cans. This type of processing may affect the taste and texture of caviar.
What are the different types of caviar?
Caviar varies based on the fish species, with popular varieties including Beluga, Ossetra, Sevruga, Lumpefish, and Whitefish.
What are the steps involved in caviar processing?
Extraction: After catching the fish, the roe (eggs) are carefully removed from its abdomen.
Sieving: The roe is separated from membranes and impurities using sieves.
Washing: Clean, filtered water is used to gently wash the roe.
Salting: Salt is added to preserve the caviar and enhance its flavor.
Packaging: The caviar is carefully packed in airtight containers for distribution.
What are the different caviar processing methods?
Malossol: This method uses minimal salt (around 3%) for a delicate flavor, considered the highest quality but with shorter shelf life.
Salted: More salt (around 8%) is used, extending shelf life but potentially masking some of the natural taste.
Pressed: Broken or weaker eggs are pressed together, often used commercially and generally less expensive.
Pasteurized: Mild heat treatment increases shelf life but may slightly alter the texture and taste.
Which caviar processing method is best?
The “best” method depends on personal preference. Malossol offers the purest flavor but has the shortest shelf life. Salted caviar lasts longer but potentially sacrifices some taste. Ultimately, it boils down to your priorities for taste, price, and shelf life.