Beluga caviar is considered to be the best and most expensive caviar in the world. The roe which makes up this type of caviar come from the Beluga sturgeon which is just one of many sturgeons that are found in the Caspian Sea. Sadly they are an endangered species and their stocks are currently extremely low. This is in part due to illegal poaching but also due to overconsumption. In recent times, the average haul of this fish is about one hundred per year.
Whilst other sturgeons exist in the same waters, the Beluga sturgeon is the largest and hence produces the largest size roe. Whilst the Beluga sturgeon grows to a large size of almost 1,000 kilograms and in turn produces a large yield of roe, these are only produced after twenty years of life.
Beluga caviar is valued not mainly due to its scarcity but also because of its signature taste. It does not have the strongest taste of the black caviars but in fact has a mild and delicate flavour. The lighter coloured Beluga caviars come from older sturgeons and are preferred by most.
Many controls exist to try to stem the depletion in Beluga sturgeon stocks and, in some circles, consumption of Beluga caviar is actually frowned upon. Some even say that this type of caviar is not the best tasting in comparison to others, and is only highly sought after simply because it is scarce. This is purported to cause a vicious circle leading to increased demand as stocks further deplete, and rapidly will lead to extinction unless severe controls or a ban is implemented. This will do little to address the illegal black market, however, where poached Beluga caviar is commonly offered for half the price of that which is legally obtained.
Caviar should never be frozen but can be kept in the refrigerator at a couple of degrees above zero. This will help preserve it for a few weeks so that you need not finish off a jar quickly once opened.
Prices for Beluga caviar vary greatly depending on how close to the source you are and the grade of caviar but as an example, a 250g tin of Royal Beluga Caspian Caviar (000 Grade) will cost approximately 1,500 US Dollars in a store in New York or London.
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[...] The most famous and expensive caviar is the Beluga caviar. Naturally, this comes from the Beluga sturgeon which boasts of the largest roe of all stugeons. It is a dark grey colour and has a dominant but mild buttery taste, as well as hints of nut-like flavour and sweetness. This caviar is so expensive because only around one hundred Beluga Sturgeon are caught each year. Beluga is not recommended in cooking because it tastes so mild that its flavours would be masked by the other ingredients and therefore its addition is a waste of money. [...]
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