Paddlefish caviar is a recent alternative to caviar sourced from the Caspian Sea such as the most famous and expensive - Beluga. Native to American rivers such as the Mississippi, the paddlefish is a different but closely related species to the sturgeon and similarly has a very long lifespan of up to 50 years and can weigh up to a massive 100 pounds.
Also known as “spoonbills,” paddlefish and their roe have exploded in popularity since the recent UN controls on importation of sturgeon caviar. Althought wild stocks are declining fast, paddlefish have the advantage that they can be reared in captivity. They survive on a diet of plankton and a single farm can produce several thousand kilos of roe each year. Paddlefish do however require assistance to breed. Although they breed normally in their native river habitat, they are unable to do so naturally in fisheries so in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is used with a 90% success rate.
The roe that make paddlefish caviar range in colour from dark grey to a golden hue. They look very similar to sturgeon caviar but are smaller in size - by as much as half. In terms of taste, many say that this caviar is buttery and strong in “sea” flavour with a hint of nuttiness. It is often compared with Sevruga caviar which is a popular sturgeon caviar from the Caspian Sea. Many also regard paddlefish caviar as having less of a salty taste which is seen as an advantage. As well as the roe, the meat can also used although this is mostly exported and is not so popular amongst Americans.
The most attractive aspect of paddlefish caviar is its cost - due to farming, it tends to cost around an eighth of the price of Beluga caviar and yet tastes comparable to the roe of some sturgeons. The lower cost also makes this a favourite of chefs who, due to the attractive price, are able to use more roe in their recipes.
Some people may turn their nose up at caviar that does not originate from the Caspian Sea and see it as less “authentic.” However, the American market, which has always been the biggest for traditional caviar, have taken to paddlefish caviar as an alternative as demonstrated by the growing year on year sales.
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Paddlefish caviar is a great alternative to Russian caviar. There are many qualities of Paddlefish Caviar, so it would be recomended to buy the Premium Grade Caviar for best quality. Visit and purchase fresh american caviar online.
Comment by Caviar — November 18, 2007 @ 12:36 pm