Imperial Heritage
Culinary
Caviar: The Ritual
To fully enjoy all the subtle flavours of Caviar, try the following ritual: Serve a small portion of Caviar on the back of your thumb. After a few seconds on the hand, the Caviar warms slightly and the intense taste of the caviar will be released. First, bring your fist under the nose and evaluate the fragrance; this should be almost absent, sometimes slightly evoking the sea (but it should not be associated with the smell of preserved fish). Now, let’s taste! Take the caviar in your mouth and use your tongue to trap and burst the roe against the palate (roof of your mouth). Only then, the pure taste and delicate flavour of the Caviar will be fully released and appreciated. Simply enjoy an explosion of taste…
How to Serve Caviar?
Serving Caviar the right way shall not merely please the eye, also the palate.
Firstly, Caviar should always be served on ice!
For a simple presentation, keep it in the tin, placed on crushed ice. When it comes to serving Caviar, placing the tin’s lid nearby is not only allowed, it’s customary.
Secondly, Caviar should be served with a proper spoon!
From a simple glass server to mother of pearl hand carved spoons, the “accoutrements de la table” for serving Caviar are as practical as they are pretty.
A mother of pearl or tortoise shell spoon is used to lift the delicate egg up vertically to avoid crushing it. Of course, it is not obliged to use mother of pearl spoons. However, be forewarned: Caviar connoisseurs believe metal utensils spoil the subtle taste of Caviar and they prefer to rather use plastic ware than risk sabotaging the savoury delicacy
Finally, the drink should not overwhelm the Caviar!
What to drink? Traditionally, ice cold vodka (a neutral vodka, not spiced or flavoured) or dry champagne accompany Caviar. The rule of thumb is not to serve any beverage or food that will overwhelm the Caviar taste.
Now simply ENJOY…
How to Preserve Caviar?
Freshness is the essence of exceptional caviar.
It is freshness that transforms delicately flavoured caviar into an exquisite culinary experience, rather than simply a serving of fish roe.
Unopened, caviar can retain its freshness for several months when stored correctly. Once opened, however, it is best enjoyed within 72 hours to preserve its delicate flavour, texture and aroma.
For optimal preservation, keep caviar in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at 0–2°C. Never freeze caviar, as freezing can compromise the delicate texture and diminish its refined taste. For the finest experience, serve caviar well chilled and enjoy it at its freshest.