What Is the Difference Between Caviar and Fish Roe?

Being new to caviar is often an exciting but also a confusing experience, as you may not be sure where to start or perhaps you don’t fully understand the difference between Caviar and Fish roe.

In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the difference between caviar and roe, as they are in their respective aspects, different. 

Caviar is one of the most expensive foods in the world, where it can be priced at up to tens of thousands of pounds. It is truly a luxury for many. 

This luxury status stems from caviar’s unique origins and careful harvesting. True caviar comes exclusively from the sturgeon family, with Beluga, Oscietra, and Sevruga varieties being the most prized.

This rarity, combined with a meticulous process that involves curing the unfertilized sturgeon eggs in salt, has made caviar synonymous with elegance and exclusivity. 

As we dive into this topic, you’ll gain insight into what makes caviar so distinct from other fish roe and why it holds a special place among gourmet foods worldwide.

Caviar VS. Fish Roe – Is there any difference?

Put it simply – The answer is yes. Caviar and Fish roe are both fish eggs, however Fish roe is like an umbrella and underneath there are many different types of roe, for example – Caviar. 

Fish roe is only considered Caviar if it comes from a sturgeon fish.  Whereas any unfertilised eggs can be considered a fish roe, only when they are salt-cured, they become the delicacy we love – Caviar. 

The term “roe” encompasses eggs from various marine animals, including scallops, lobsters, and shrimp. When referring specifically to fish, roe can be sourced from many species like salmon, trout, cod, paddlefish, and whitefish.

However this leads to a great amount of misinformation throughout shops and restaurants. Many may label salmon roe, or any type of fish roe as “Caviar”. Beware, and let this not fool you. We have prepared a list of the key difference between fish roe and caviar.

Remember that real caviar can only be a “Sturgeon Caviar”.

Key Differences of Caviar vs Roe

1. Definition: Caviar is a delicacy defined as cured sturgeon roe, while fish roe refers to unfertilized eggs from many fish species.
2. Species: True caviar only comes from sturgeon, whereas roe can come from salmon, trout, and other marine animals.
3. Price: Premium caviar is costly; regular fish roe is commonly more affordable.
4. Labelling: Roe harvested from sturgeon is labelled “caviar,” while other roe, like trout roe, is named by fish type.
5. Flavour & Texture: Black caviar has a buttery flavour and firm texture, while roe from other fish can be brinier and vary in texture.
6. Processing: Caviar is made by salt-curing unfertilized sturgeon eggs; other types of fish eggs may be fresh or salt-cured.
7. Nutrients: Both caviar and roe are fish eggs rich in protein and omega-3, but caviar is considered more nutrient-dense.

Global Location

Sturgeon roe nearly always comes from the Caspian Sea and Black Sea, with premium varieties like beluga caviar often sourced from Iran and Russia. True caviar only comes from these unfertilized sturgeon eggs, giving it a unique status among fish eggs.

Fish roe can come from various species, including salmon and trout, from waters worldwide. Although fish roe and caviar are both fish eggs, only sturgeon roe is labelled as caviar, while other types are simply called by the name of the fish they come from, like trout roe. However, Red Caviar is the only exception, originating from salmonid fishes.

Definition of Caviar and Fish Roe

What is Caviar?

Caviar is a luxury delicacy made from the salt-cured, unfertilized eggs of sturgeon fish, found mainly in the Caspian and Black Sea regions. Only sturgeon roe can be labelled as true caviar, with types like beluga, oscietra, and sevruga highly valued for their distinct flavours and textures.

What is Fish Roe?

Fish roe refers to unfertilized eggs from a variety of fish species beyond sturgeon, such as salmon, trout, and paddlefish. While roe are fish eggs similar to caviar, only sturgeon roe carries the caviar label; other types are named by the fish they come from, like trout roe or salmon roe.

So Where Can I Get Caviar?

At Tsarscaviar, our goal is to provide affordable, premium-quality caviar for our customers. We offer a curated selection of the finest caviar, including top-range Beluga and Oscietra caviar.

With a commitment to quality and authenticity, we source our caviar from trusted suppliers, ensuring that each tin delivers the exquisite taste and texture that true caviar connoisseurs appreciate. 

Our promised free delivery is available for Londoners with any London address. However, even if you live outside of London, you are able to obtain your sought after Sturgeon Caviar at a cheap and fast rate.