Caviar Etiquette 101: Can You Eat Caviar With a Metal Spoon?

It’s obvious that one of the most luxurious delicacies in the world requires proper etiquette and a special serving method. If you’re just starting to enjoy the best taste the sea can offer, you’re probably wondering – can you eat caviar with a metal spoon? Stick with us, and we’ll settle this debate once and for all.

While no one can stop you from using it, it’s not recommended to enjoy this delicacy with a metal spoon, especially if it’s made from silver. The reasoning behind this is fairly simple – using it can bring some unwanted flavors to this delicacy. Luckily, there are a few alternatives that work just fine without altering the delicate taste. 

This Luxury Treat Entails Proper Serving Etiquette – It’s Important to Avoid Altering the Taste

While most people are familiar with what caviar is exactly and how much it costs, anyone that’s just getting into the flavorful world of salted sturgeon eggs might be surprised to find out just how many rules there are concerning the serving of this luxurious delicacy. 

With a long history and an even longer list of delicious dishes, it makes sense that there’s proper etiquette surrounding this specialty. More often than not, it’s one of the main reasons people like it so much – it’s perfect for a high-end dining experience. Visiting a caviar online store or a  caviar shop nearby to get it delivered right to your doorstep is only the beginning – let’s see what’s the right way to serve this delicacy. 

Truth or Myth: Can You Eat Caviar With a Metal Spoon?

This is an important question, especially if you’re planning to order caviar online and try it out in the comfort of your home. While it can baffle even the most experienced fine-dining connoisseurs, the answer is actually quite simple. 

Basically, it’s not recommended to use a metal spoon, especially one made of silver, as it can cause this delicacy to oxidize and lose its original flavor, becoming quite bitter. Anyone that has tried this luxurious treat at least once in their life knows that the last thing you want to do is change how it tastes. So, if silver is out of the picture, a new question arises – what’s the right cutlery to use when serving the salted sturgeon eggs?

What Types of Spoons Are Adequate for Enjoying This Luxurious Meal?

Now that you understand how even the subtlest of chemical reactions can alter the delicate flavors of this specialty, you’re probably wondering what you should use instead. While the most popular options will be discussed in greater detail, here are all of the acceptable materials of spoons you can use to enjoy this delicacy:

• Mother of pearl, 
• Tortoiseshell, 
• Animal horn, 
• Wood, 
• Glass, 
• Gold, 
• Plastic. 

One of the Best Ways to Enjoy Your Caviar Order Is to Use Mother of Pearl Spoons

Without any question, the best serving set for enjoying this luxurious snack is the one called « mother of pearl. » You’ve probably stumbled upon it in advertisements or classic movies, but are you familiar with what this material is exactly? 

Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, is a one-of-a-kind material composed of both organic and inorganic elements. It’s naturally produced as the inner layer of shells in species such as snails and clams. This material is a great non-reactive surface perfect for enjoying this food. Moreover, it looks amazing – the iridescent surface creates a striking contrast against the dark gray pearls.

Tortoiseshells and Animal Horns Are Also Ideal Cutlery Materials

Other natural materials that can be used are tortoiseshells and various animal horns. Such options are not so common today, especially because it’s illegal in most countries to sell and buy them. However, there are plenty of alternatives and imitations made from different biomaterials and plastics. 

As for the animal horns, they are much easier to stumble upon, and there are plenty of sustainable options. Usually made from buffalo or bison horns, this is a strong material that won’t react with the food and alter its flavors. 

Wood and Plastic Are Cheap Alternatives That Won’t Alter the Delicate Flavor

While they might be less popular materials to use, wood and plastic are perfectly good alternatives. Sure, your experience might not be as luxurious and authentic, but these materials won’t alter the flavor, and that’s the most important thing when it comes to any fine-dining setting, no matter if it’s dinner or lunch.

Both are pretty affordable options and work great if you’re organizing a large gathering. Just keep in mind that wood can stain if it stays in the salted sturgeon eggs for too long, so it’s not recommended to use it multiple times. 

Those Who Like to Immerse Themselves Fully In the Dining Experience Can Simply Eat It With Their Hands

When all else fails, you can always enjoy this delicacy by using your hands. And no, it’s not a joke – this serving method has a long tradition that stems from the culinary custom of tasting this luxury delicacy by placing it on the back of your hand. 

Among connoisseurs, it’s actually a completely acceptable way to go about tasting this food. As long as you keep your hands clean, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t introduce this interesting and authentic way to the way you enjoy this delicacy.

Now You Know the Proper Etiquette – Organize a Home Tasting and Don’t Forget the Ice

Now that you know what is the right way to serve it, why not purchase caviar and plan a small tasting party in the evening hours? Caviar online ordering has never been this easy – all you have to do is search up « caviar near me » or visit the K&Cie Caviars website – there are even quality spoon options to choose from. Once you buy caviar online and have it delivered right to your doorstep – all you have to do is serve it with some ice, side dishes, and, of course, the proper set. Bon Appétit!