Caviar is used as a spread or garnish on many luxury foods, which means most people only see it in restaurants. However, you can also buy it yourself to use in home cooking. Whole Foods Sells several brands of caviar, all of which meet their high standards of quality. In this article, I’ll cover the basics of caviar so you can choose the best for your needs, as well as the products offered in Whole Foods locations.
What is Caviar?
Caviar is cured roe or unfertilized fish eggs. These eggs are usually cured with salt and sold in a can. Traditional caviar is from a single species of fish, but in modern times several others are frequently consumed.
Traditional
Traditional caviar is Sturgeon Roe, a large fish that lives in the Northern Hemisphere. Different subspecies of Sturgeon live in both salt and fresh water. The most popular caviars come from Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga Sturgeon. Caviar can be either golden or black in color, which depends on the breed of Sturgeon it was harvested from and the quality.
Non-traditional
The roe of other fish such as Salmon, Lumpfish, and Paddlefish are often cured and eaten in the same manner as traditional caviar. However, many die-hard caviar fans would balk if you called these products true caviar. These products, due to higher availability and geographical proximity to the United States, are much cheaper than their Sturgeon-based counterparts.
Caviar at Whole Foods
Caviar is a well-loved product at Whole Foods, to the point where they have published a guide to caviar on their website. Several brands are carried by Whole Foods, although not all of them are available in every location. This is because of Whole Foods’ dedication to sourcing locally. Some of these brands include
- Tsar Nicoulai
- Marky’s
- Bernka
- OLMA
- Caviart
- Marshalberg Farms
The Best Caviar at Whole Foods
Tsar Nicoulai is one of the highest-quality caviars on the market and consistently gets great reviews. A lesser-known brand is Marky’s, but they have likewise been receiving rave reviews for their paddlefish caviar.
Where Can I Find Caviar in Whole Foods?
The employee at the seafood section of whole foods will be able to help you buy caviar. Usually, this product is kept nearby, or even behind the counter due to its price.
FAQ
How Much Caviar Is One Serving?
You should plan 15 grams of caviar for one person. Most caviar at Whole Foods is sold in cans containing two servings.
How Should I Eat Caviar?
Caviar can be stirred into soups, eaten as a spread on bread or crackers, or used as a garnish.
What Should Caviar Taste Like?
Caviar should be firm and pop or crunch on the roof of your mouth. It has a fishy flavor, which gets stronger the more mature the fish was at harvest. Some types of caviar have a nutty flavor, while others are more flowery.
Summary
Whole Foods happily carries several types of locally sourced caviar for your next celebration. Both true Sturgeon Caviar and nontraditional caviars are carried. Some of the best brands to consider are Tsar Nicoulai and Marky’s. To buy caviar at whole foods, simply ask a Whole Foods Seafood department employee about it.
