What is caviar?
Caviar is one of the most luxurious and sophisticated foods in the world. It is the unfertilized roe (or eggs) of the sturgeon fish, which are carefully salted for preservation and consumption. This delicacy has been considered a status symbol from the time of the Russian tsars to the most refined tables of the 21st century.
But not everything that glitters is gold, and not everything that has the shape of a little black ball is caviar. Therefore, it is essential to know the differences between real caviar and substitutes, or between fresh and pasteurized caviar.
👉 If you are looking to buy authentic fresh caviar, visit our online store: Ambrose & Paubet – High End Caviar
Origin and history of caviar
Caviar consumption dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Persians and Romans, but it was in Russia and Persia that it acquired its current prestige. The Caspian Sea and the Black Sea were for centuries the main fishing grounds for wild sturgeon.
During the 19th century, it became an emblematic product at the Russian court. Sturgeons were considered an imperial gift, and its caviar, a luxury reserved for the aristocracy. The brand name “Russian caviar” became synonymous with excellence.
Today, due to international regulations and the risk of extinction of many species, most caviar is produced in controlled fish farms, guaranteeing both quality and sustainability. This step has been essential to preserve the species, democratize access to caviar and create a global industry around this legendary product.
Ambrose & Paubet caviar varieties: a symphony of purity and flavor
At Ambrose & Paubet, we don’t just sell caviar: we curate a collection of gastronomic masterpieces. Our selection is composed exclusively of caviar from pure sturgeon species, ethically and sustainably farmed, without hybridization, and with absolute respect for the traceability and maturation times of each specimen.
These are the seven black (and gold) jewels in our catalog:
Beluga whale (Huso huso)
The absolute king of caviar.
- Large eggs, up to 4 mm, pearly gray to anthracite in color.
- Silky and creamy texture that melts on the palate like sea butter.
- Delicate flavor, with creamy nuances and elegant persistence.
- Slow maturation: Beluga sturgeon can take up to 20 years to reach reproductive age.
Beluga Albino (Almas)
The rarest and most coveted jewel in the world.
- Derived from albino sturgeons, an extremely rare genetic mutation.
- Ivory-white eggs with golden glints and an even more fragile texture.
- More subtle and ethereal flavor, with notes reminiscent of hazelnut and clarified butter.
- An unrepeatable experience for true connoisseurs.
Osetra (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)
A timeless classic in the gourmet world.
- Medium-sized eggs, with amber, golden or dark brown tones.
- Deep flavor with hints of nutty, buttery and mild iodine.
- Ideal for pairing with brut nature champagnes or aged chardonnays.
Osetra Selection
The crème de la crème of Osetra.
- Selection of larger, uniform and lighter colored grains.
- Firm texture that explodes smoothly in the mouth.
- Long flavor, with a very fine mineral and saline finish.
Sevruga (Acipenser stellatus)
For lovers of character.
- Small eggs, dark gray almost black in color.
- More intense and persistent flavor, with an iodized profile.
- Perfect for combinations with iced vodka or tartares.
Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)
The most subtle and delicate variety.
- Small and uncommon sturgeon in aquaculture.
- Small eggs, pearl gray color.
- Clean, fresh and balanced flavor.
White (White Sturgeon)
A rarity for collectors of taste.
- Produced from white sturgeon.
- Medium-sized roe, soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.
- Very versatile, ideal for creative cooking.
📍 Explore all these varieties in our store: https://ambrosepaubet.com/tienda
Genuine caviar vs. substitutes
The term “caviar” is legally reserved for sturgeon roe. Other products such as salmon, trout or lumpfish roe are substitutes, and although they may be tasty, they do not have the same nutritional profile or gastronomic status.
At Ambrose & Paubet, we guarantee:
- 100% authentic and certified caviar.
- Sustainable production without hybridization.
- Full traceability.
The art of caviar production
Caviar production is an artisanal process that requires expertise:
- Harvesting: manual extraction of the roe.
- Washing and separation: quality selection grain by grain.
- Salted (Malossol): traditional method with little salt.
- Maturation: in airtight cans, under temperature control.
Each stage directly affects the flavor, texture and longevity of the product. At Ambrose & Paubet, we take care of every detail with obsessive precision.
How to taste caviar
To appreciate caviar in all its splendor:
- Serve very cold, at 0-4 ºC.
- Use spoons of mother-of-pearl or inert materials.
- Serve with blinis, sour cream or boiled egg.
- Never chew it: let it burst in your mouth.
Ideally, it goes well with brut champagne, vodka or dry sake. And if you are more curious you can check out our post on how to serve caviar at home.
Sustainability at Ambrose & Paubet Caviar
Our commitment:
- Caviar from sturgeons raised in certified semi-freedom conditions.
- Environmentally friendly practices.
- Transparency, animal welfare and sanitary control.
Choosing Ambrose & Paubet means choosing responsible luxury.
Nutritional benefits of caviar
Caviar is a gourmet superfood:
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Source of high quality proteins.
- Provides vitamins A, D, E and B12.
- It contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium and selenium.
A luxury that also takes care of your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can caviar be frozen?
No. It loses texture and flavor. Store refrigerated and within 48 hours after opening.
Which caviar to choose if it is my first time?
Osetra offers a balance between taste, texture and price.
How much caviar is recommended per person?
Between 10 and 30 g, depending on the type of tasting.
Conclusion:
Caviar is much more than a food: it is culture, history and concentrated pleasure. At Ambrose & Paubet, we invite you to discover authentic caviar in its purest expression.
- Celebrate life with caviar.
- Give caviar as a gift.
- Choose Ambrose & Paubet.