Quite expensive, caviar is a prestigious dish eaten on special occasions with family and friends. Christmas is usually the time to eat caviar. For novices, the question arises as to how to eat caviar. How do you taste and enjoy this unique delicacy? Caviar is one of the most expensive dishes in the world. So there are some basic rules and steps to follow if you want to eat caviar properly.
Take the tin out of the fridge
To get the most out of your caviar, the ideal serving temperature is 10°C. Depending on the size of the tin, you can take the caviar out of the fridge between 5 and 10 minutes before tasting. For tins of up to 250g, 5 minutes is enough to start eating your caviar. For tins over 250g, 10 minutes will be needed to bring out the best flavours of your caviar. Depending on how long you plan to eat your caviar, you can place it on a bed of crushed ice to maintain the ideal temperature for eating.
Open the caviar tin
To open the caviar tin, use a caviar spanner. You can also pry it open with the back of a spoon or a coin.
Use a mother-of-pearl spoon to eat the caviar
We advise you to use a mother-of-pearl spoon for eating caviar. Mother-of-pearl preserves all the flavour of the caviar grains without breaking them. Porcelain, horn or plastic spoons are a good alternative. Above all, avoid metal cutlery, which could oxidise your caviar.
Prepare your palate
To enjoy caviar to the full, your palate needs to be neutral. A shot of ice-cold vodka will prepare your palate for caviar tasting. For a first tasting, it is advisable to taste your caviar plain. Take your time, let the caviar grains melt slowly in your mouth and fully appreciate the caviar's aromas.
Eating caviar on your hand: caviar "à la royale"
Eat the caviar directly from your hand. This is called tasting caviar "à la royale". First, place a few grains of caviar on the back of your hand, more precisely at the base of your thumb and forefinger. Then pick up the caviar grains with your tongue.
Why ‘à la royale’? Because that's how the Russian tsars tasted their caviar. This method avoids the caviar coming into contact with any material that could alter the caviar's aromas and flavours. Tasting caviar à la royale also means that the caviar eggs are slightly warmed when they come into contact with the skin. This process ensures that the caviar is at the ideal temperature for releasing all its flavours.
How do you eat caviar as an aperitif?
You can vary the way you present the caviar to add a touch of originality. You can serve it on small potatoes, blinis with a little crème fraiche, or even on porcelain soup spoons for a chic presentation. By adding caviar to your aperitif, you'll add an elegant and sumptuous touch to your gathering, creating a moment of shared delight between friends and family.
How do you enjoy caviar in dishes?
Enjoying caviar in dishes can be a refined and creative gastronomic experience. Here are some ideas for eating caviar in dishes to enhance its delicate flavours:
- Egg Whites in Caviar Snow :
- Serve delicately poached egg whites and garnish with caviar. The light texture of the egg whites contrasts perfectly with the firmness of the caviar pearls.
- Fish Tartar with Caviar :
- Prepare a fish tartare (such as salmon or tuna) seasoned with olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs. Garnish each portion with caviar to add a luxurious dimension.
- Potatoes in Field Dress with Caviar :
- Cook potatoes in their jackets, cut in half and top with crème fraîche. Place caviar delicately on each half for a tasty experience.
- Scrambled eggs with Caviar :
- Prepare creamy scrambled eggs and add a touch of luxury by topping them with caviar. Serve this decadent dish for breakfast or brunch.
- Caviar Risotto :
- Add the caviar to a creamy risotto towards the end of cooking. The caviar pearls will add intense flavour and a pleasant texture to every bite.
- Caviar pancakes :
- Make light crêpes and top with crème fraîche and caviar. Roll up the crêpes and cut into small portions for elegant bites.
- Caviar toast :
- Spread fresh cheese on slices of rye bread and top with caviar. Add a few fresh herbs such as dill for a touch of freshness.
- Oysters with Caviar :
- Place caviar on fresh oysters for the ultimate combination of marine flavours. Add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavours.
- Caviar sushi :
- Add a touch of luxury to your sushi by topping sushi with caviar. The textures and flavours blend perfectly with the rice and fish.
- Crunchy Vegetable Salad with Caviar :
- Prepare a crisp salad with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes and endives. Garnish with caviar and a light vinaigrette for a fresh, sophisticated dish.
Don't forget to serve these dishes with dry white wines, brut champagne or quality vodka to complete the gastronomic experience. The art of incorporating caviar into dishes lies in subtlety, allowing the caviar pearls to shine through and enrich every mouthful.
