It’s a Cultural Tradition: Exploring Caviar By Country

It’s a Cultural Tradition: Exploring Caviar By Country

Every country has practices that are unique to them. You see it in how they celebrate holidays, value education, and participate in religion. But you may not know that many countries also enjoy caviar through individual fashions!

When you buy caviar, how do you eat it? Is it savoured through a delightful celebration or eaten as a snack in your kitchen? The answer varies depending on your background. 

Originally, caviar began as a Russian tradition symbolizing wealth and prestige. Those who could afford the extravagant caviar price back then gathered together to indulge in opulent surroundings with decadent food and wine.

Today, the caviar cost is more affordable, although still expensive enough to be a delicacy rather than a regular part of the meal. How it’s eaten varies in different countries, as we’ll share with you here in this guide.

Caviar Across the Globe

Whether you’re eating caviar in Australia or France, the pop of the delicious roe on your tongue tastes the same. But how it’s handled is another story.

France

France is the top consumer of caviar, eating 58 tons every year. There, you’ll find that sturgeon caviar is the bestseller. The country got its caviar start when Russian emigrants opened a caviar house in Paris in the 1920s. 

As word got around, it became more popular, and today, it’s a regular part of high-class cuisine. Sturgeon caviar is served with champagne and salmon roe is accompanied by soft cheese, although this is labelled “fish eggs,” not “caviar.”

Finland

The demand for caviar isn’t as high here, but in Finland, this delicacy is added to a traditional dish called mäti. You’ll find salmon caviar in your mäti, mixed with sour cream and chopped onions. It’s served with rye or grain bread or alone.

Germany

Eating caviar in Germany takes on a symbolism not found elsewhere. Here, it’s served as a special holiday meal to demonstrate a celebration of new life. In Germany, sturgeon and salmon roe are on the menu of high cuisine, served alone or as an appetizer, such as canapes and tartlets. 

Japan

You can easily buy red caviar in Japan, but it’s served seasonally or thawed after being frozen. This delay in freshness means the roe isn’t as salty as it is in European countries. To add this salty taste, it’s served with a marinade made of soy sauce and sake alongside rice and sashimi, but never with bread.

Russia and the Surrounding Countries

Where would we be without adding Russia and the former Soviet Union countries to our list? They began the tradition, which continues as a regular holiday celebration. The price of caviar makes it easier for non-royals or celebrities to partake in these indulgences, and sturgeon caviar is still popular. This treat is a delicious addition to any event, served with pancakes or on bread with butter. Of course, you’ll want to accompany it with traditional Russian vodka for the full effect.

Australians Know Their Caviar, Too

It’s fun to know how the rest of the world partakes in their role, but you’re trying to buy caviar in Sydney or around the area. How you choose to enjoy yours is up to you, but the best caviar for sale starts at the most reputable shops, like myCaviar.com.au.

Here, you’ll find your favourites, including osetra caviar, delivered fresh to your home at competitive prices. The rich flavour is sealed tightly until you’re ready to add it to your menu. At myCaviar.com.au, we want you to taste the reason caviar is a worldwide delight. Try us out today, and you’ll see why centuries of traditions include this delicacy as part of their menu.