Caviar Showdown: Red Caviar vs. Black Caviar

When it comes to luxury and sophistication, not many delicacies can rival the allure that comes with caviar. Today, you can indulge in many different types of this delicacy, with red and black being the most prominent ones. If you want to learn more about red caviar vs. black caviar, their history, flavor, and culinary significance, the following guide will provide you with all the answers you need.

What Is Caviar – And Why Is It Such a Popular Product?

Caviar is a delicacy made from sturgeon fish roe (unfertilized eggs), well-known for its unique flavor and texture. Sturgeons are species that belong to the Acipenseridae family, and only roe that comes from it is considered true caviar. 

So, why do people like this dish so much? First of all, many food connoisseurs consider it to be one of the most flavorful appetizers – but it’s not all about the taste. When consumed in moderation, it can provide many health benefits, which is another reason many decide to buy caviar, despite its infamous expensiveness. Of course, we must also count on the fact that it has always been one of the most luxurious delicacies and, therefore, represents a certain status symbol – and that goes for both red and black varieties.

What Types of Caviar Are There?

Determining caviar types can be done based on several different factors – the processing method, species the roe is coming from, or quality. However, when it comes to defining black vs. red caviar, fish species are the most important thing to consider. Red and black varieties are differentiated by the color of the eggs. In most cases, black (or true) caviar comes from different types of sturgeons and has a rich history in European cuisine, while the red one typically comes from salmonids. 

However, keep in mind that red and black are not the only two colors caviar can have. They also come in gray, yellow, brown, golden, and many other colors, depending on the fish variety. Moreover, note that the most expensive caviar in the world is not black or red. It’s Almas caviar that comes from the albino Iranian beluga – and has a golden yellow color. 

Red vs. Black Caviar – Differences in Origin

As we mentioned earlier, these two roe varieties come from different species, sturgeons and salmonids. However, remember that only roe that comes from the Acipenseridae family is considered true caviar, and species that produce the red one do not belong in it. Therefore, if you’re looking for an authentic experience, you should place a caviar order for the black variety. Although named red caviar, roe that comes from the Salmonidae family is not considered a true kind of caviar – but that does not mean you can’t enjoy its exquisite flavor. 

Appearance and Flavor – What to Expect?

What does caviar taste like? While both of these varieties can have small to large eggs, they do differ in flavor. Connoisseurs agree that top-quality black caviar has only mild saltines, with little to no fishiness, while these attributes are more prominent with the red one. More often than not, roe that comes from the salmonids family has an intense taste, which is why it’s rarely eaten on its own. To truly experience the remarkable nutty and buttery flavor of black caviar, on the other hand, it’s always advised to consume it alone. 

Although black caviar generally has a more pleasant flavor than red one, you must take other factors into consideration when considering the flavor of these delicacies, such as the quality of the presented product. Remember – the prime quality red caviar tastes better than the C-grade black caviar. 

Price of Caviar per Oz

The cost of caviars depends on several different elements, including the fish species the product comes from, the location from which roe was harvested, as well as the manufacturer selling the product. Typically, black caviar is much more expensive than red one due to its rarity, sturgeons’ lengthy maturation periods, and, of course, higher quality.

However, if you want to know more about the average price of the most common varieties, take a look at the table below:

Species	Type	Price per ounce
Beluga	Black	$200-$300
Osetra	Black	$50-$175
Kaluga	Black	$65-$85
Sevruga	Black	$50-$120
Salmon	Red	$6-$10
Trout	Red	$10-$12

Black Caviar Variates Explained

If you choose to visit a specialty food shop or a caviar online store to explore black caviar offers, you first need to know which sturgeon species are able to provide eggs of this color. In most cases, you’ll be able to find a delicacy that comes from:

• Beluga – the most expensive one, large in size, with a very thin shell. Its color is not pitch black but more grayish. Still, keep in mind that the import of this product is forbidden in some areas of the world (USA, for example) since this species is considered critically endangered,
• Sevruga – smaller in size than beluga, it’s more available than other varieties and can be purchased for a much smaller price, 
• Kaluga – a great substitute for two previous types. It’s known for its large and shiny roe with a gray-greenish color, 
• Siberian Sturgeon – it has a black to dark brown color and small to medium pearls with a tender structure.
• Osetra – Although not black in color, osetra roe is sometimes classified in this category. It’s a variety whose high price is only surpassed by the beluga type, with colors ranging from deep amber to golden.

Is There Black Non-Sturgeon Caviar?

There are types of fish that produce black roe, such as paddlefish or bowfin. On the other hand, some manufacturers dye roe with natural colors (in the case of tobiko or herruga roe). It’s important to remember that these roe types do not come from sturgeon and, therefore, are not considered true caviar varieties. However, that doesn’t mean they are not used in many different cuisines all around the world.

Different Types of Red Caviar

When it comes to red-colored roe, it often implies the salmon origin – especially chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon. The red egg color comes from antioxidant pigments called carotenoids, which are included in the salmon’s diet. Salmon roe (also known as ikura caviar) is highly popular in Japanese cuisine. 

Eggs from the coho salmon have light orange to pink color, mild flavor, and a texture a bit firmer than with the other red caviar varieties. The king salmon caviar, on the other hand, comes from the chinook roe, which is larger in size than other types, has a darker red or orange color, and has a rich buttery flavor. 

Red salmon caviar, the most popular kind, is typically produced from sockeye roe, with a salty flavor and vibrant color. Another popular red caviar type comes from pink salmon, which produces light red, small eggs with a truly delicate flavor. 

There Are Red Caviar Varieties That Come From Species Other Than Salmon

Besides salmonids, there are other species able to produce red eggs. Capelin, for example, produces masago (or capelin) roe, which has a slightly salty and smokey flavor. Their color ranges from pale orange to pale yellow, but they are often dyed in bright orange color. Rainbow trout roe is larger in size and has a sweet and briny flavor with a vibrant golden-red color. Another egg type that belongs to this category can be found in whitefish roe, with a bit of tangy flavor and color that ranges from golden to red. 

Tobiko roe we mentioned earlier, but keep in mind that they are not only dyed black. Although eggs that come from flying fish are green in color, manufacturers can use natural dye ingredients and make them become red, as well. 

All of the previously mentioned roe varieties are highly available on the market, with prices that do not surpass $15 per ounce, on average. It’s great when you’re buying on a budget and looking for quality red caviar for sale.

Red Caviar vs. Black Caviar – Health Benefits

There is no denying that roe can be a healthy food supplement, and that goes for all types, whether they are colored red or black. For example, in red caviar, you can find many valuable vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for the proper function of your brain, eyes, cardiovascular and immune system. It’s also proven to help the healing process due to its hemoglobin ingredients. On the other hand, there are no trans fats or carbohydrates in this roe type, which are proven to be bad for general health.

Black caviar is also full of vitamins, predominantly vitamins A, B12, and E, and a lot of zinc – a mineral that helps us make more white blood cells and fight the sickness. It also contains iron and selenium, as well as omega-3 fatty acids (even more than in red roe). Therefore, there is no denying that whatever delicacy you choose to try, you’ll be doing your body a favor.

How to Pair Red and Black Caviar?

After you buy caviar online or in the shop, you need to know how to serve it right – and with what other food and drinks to pair it with. Connoisseurs suggest that the best caviar dishes imply a pairing with citrus and umami flavors. 

When it comes to vegetable choice, red caviar can go really well with potato, avocado, or cucumber, and it pairs exquisitely with fruits such as pear and apple. However, when making caviar at home, you should avoid pairing it with strong-flavored vegetables such as garlic or onion. You can also combine this type of roe with cheese, especially goat or cream cheese, but avoid aged cheeses. 

As for the black caviar, we already mentioned that true enthusiasts don’t like pairing it with any other type of food. However, some find its taste too intense to enjoy it on its own. If that’s your case, as well, know that there are certain foods that can complement caviar’s taste very well. The best pairings for this roe type are blinis, cheese, eggs, lemon wedges, butter, potatoes, and crackers. If you want to serve it at home, keep in mind that it also goes well with fruit, such as apples and pears, but also with jackfruit and grapes. 

When it comes to beverages, know that caviar is traditionally paired with vodka. However, if you’re not a fan of such a strong drink, know that dry champagne or wine can also go well with both red and black caviar. For red wine, choose Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, while good choices for white wine pairings would be Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also opt for less traditional beverages, such as gin or beer, if those are the drinks you prefer. 

Black Caviar vs. Red Caviar – Who Won?

While both varieties possess their own allure and unique characteristics, there is no denying that black caviar is a much better choice for those who look for the highest quality and the taste of luxury. However, in order to truly enjoy this delicacy and embrace the pleasure it provides, you must look for a caviar shop able to deliver only the best – and you can find it in K&Cis Caviars. There is no need to google for caviar near me – instead, you can simply go with caviar online ordering, purchase one of our premium products – and get ready to savor the exquisiteness that comes with this supreme delicacy.