What Is Caviar? A Complete Guide for Beginners

Indulge in the ultimate luxury with Meredith Marks Caviar-where every pearl delivers elegance and flavor. Experience caviar like never before, with sustainably sourced varieties and effortless elegance for any occasion.

A product display of an assortment of Meredith Marks Caviar jars.

Welcome to the world of caviar. It’s the ultimate indulgence wrapped in centuries of mystique and rich history.

What is caviar, actually? In simple terms, caviar is a salt-cured sturgeon roe, appreciated for its delicate texture and briny elegance.

But caviar isn’t just food. It’s a ritual. It’s theatre. It’s a global delicacy. At Meredith Marks Caviar, we’ve reimagined this timeless luxury for modern taste. In this blog, we’ll look into the basics of caviar and how to enjoy this slice of luxury. 

Understanding Caviar: A Guide to the Different Types

Product displays of Meredith Marks’ Diamond Ossetra and 24 Karat Kaluga Caviar.

While caviar is the most elegant way to indulge in luxury, not all caviar tastes the same.

There are several caviar types, each with its own flavor, texture, and mood. Here's a quick rundown:

  • White Sturgeon: A fan-favorite with an understated brininess and a clean, buttery finish, these are soft and medium-sized pearls.
  • Ossetra: Golden, nutty, and complex. Sophisticated without trying too hard.
  • Sevruga: Smaller pearls, bold flavor. Briny and unapologetically punchy.
  • Kaluga Hybrid: One of Meredith Marks’ go-tos. Rich, balanced, and endlessly versatile. A standout solo or blended in our signature tins.
Two tins of Meredith Marks caviar, labeled Sapphire Sevruga and Diamond Ossetra, showcasing premium black caviar.

SAPPHIRE SEVRUGA & DIAMOND OSSETRA DUO

$105.00
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Every type has its moment. But they all do one thing without fail: turn the ordinary into the unforgettable.

Still wondering what sets caviar apart from salmon or trout roe? Real caviar only comes from sturgeon, a class of its own.

How Caviar Is Made: From Farm to Fancy

The best way to know about caviar is to start from its origins on the farm.

Authentic caviar must come from sturgeon species, a delicacy that’s farming practices have  traditionally led to overfishing and a dramatic decline in sturgeon populations. The demand for caviar, coupled with unsustainable practices, pushed some species to the brink of extinction. 

However, modern sustainable farming methods have revolutionized the industry, allowing us to provide divine caviar without harming the ecosystem. While all Caspian-native sturgeon caviar is now farmed, not all farms operate sustainably. 

The process begins at boutique farms where sturgeon are raised with care: ethically, sustainably, and unrushed. Once mature, the roe is hand-harvested, delicately salted, and aged with precision.

In the world of true caviar production, elegance is in the details. We source only the highest-grade caviar from sustainable farms worldwide. The sturgeon species responsible for our exquisite caviar originates from the Caspian Sea and the Amur River, regions historically known for producing the finest caviar. 

This isn’t mass production. This is careful caviar crafting.

Caviar harvesting is as much about timing as it is about craftsmanship. A female sturgeon’s eggs reach peak texture and flavor just three days before she is ready to spawn. 

If harvested too soon, the eggs lack the signature ‘pop’ that makes caviar so luxurious. 

If harvested too late, they become overly soft and lose their delicate structure. The harvesting process is meticulous and time-consuming, often done by hand to protect the delicate caviar pearls. 

There are two primary methods of caviar harvesting- the traditional and the humane. The former warrants the sturgeon’s sacrifice to extract caviar pearls from the fish. The humane method is a highly ethical practice, causing no harm to the sturgeon, during the process of extraction. 

Every step in caviar production is about purity, patience, and intention. At Meredith Marks Caviar, we take pride in sourcing from farms committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices. Our sturgeon thrive in pristine, natural environments that closely mimic their natural habitat. This ensures not only superior taste and quality but also the preservation of these incredible species for generations to come. When you choose our caviar, you can indulge with confidence, knowing that sustainability and excellence go hand in hand. 

We partner only with premium producers because true luxury is always a reflection of its origin and the care behind it.

How to Serve, Store, and Savor Caviar Like a Pro

A shot of creamy pasta garnished with caviar and chopped herbs.

What is caviar if not served with a little ceremony? Presentation is half the indulgence. Caviar should feel as exquisite as it tastes.

Start chilled, never frozen: Aim for 28–32°F. It's the sweet spot that keeps those pearls perfect (yes, science backs this). Use a mother-of-pearl or gold spoon. Never go for metal since it ruins caviar’s delicate flavor.

A pearl-handled caviar spoon engraved with Meredith Marks Caviar for serving premium caviar.

MOTHER-OF-PEARL SPOON

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Store it right: Pop the tin in your fridge’s coldest corner. Once opened, you’ll have 48 hours. 

Keep the pairing simple, but intentional: A blini. A touch of crème fraîche. Or go Meredith’s way: caviar on a potato chip, Champagne in hand on a Wednesday night, because surviving the week is reason enough to celebrate.

Craving comfort food with a luxe twist? Caviar, please: If you're feeling lazy but craving fancy, spread caviar on Chloe’s twice-baked potato. Want more unique recipes? Try the BAM’s Bagel with caviar, a dish that is perfect, easy, tasty, and a little bougie. 

You can also go for Meredith’s favorite: buttery pasta with a scoop of caviar. It’s a low-effort, high-reward recipe. 

Serve with intention. Savor every pearl because luxury isn’t just what’s on your plate, it’s how you enjoy it.

Caviar Today: Why It’s Trending and Approachable

Caviar isn’t just for black-tie dinners anymore. It’s having a full-fledged renaissance.

So, what is caviar in 2025? It’s a little luxury on your Pringle, an enhancement to your brunch table, and proof that elegance doesn’t need an occasion.

From viral TikTok ‘#CaviarBumps’ to NYC hotspots swapping chips for crystals, indulgence is getting playful. 

Fun fact: Even Burger King served caviar-topped nuggets in France. This perfectly portrays today’s culture: luxe is now laid-back.

Meredith Marks Caviar is at the forefront of this modern movement. We are bringing glamour to your kitchen with snackable tins, fashion-forward pairings, and effortless elegance.

And no matter which caviar type you reach for, it always sets the mood, makes the perfect gift, and serves as a delicious, unapologetic form of self-care.

A Beginner’s Bite into Luxury

Meredith Marks, effortlessly chic, declares caviar the best way to do breakfast right.

Maybe you’re grabbing breakfast between errands or burning the midnight oil, pause the noise. Reach for the tin of Meredith Marks Caviar. Spoon a little onto whatever’s close- a cracker, toast, or even better, Meredith’s favorite, a Pringle.

Because this isn’t just indulgence. It’s your reset that does not require a black tie or high heels outing. Just a moment to remind yourself: “I deserve this treat.”

Ready to taste the luxe life? Discover your first tin of Meredith Marks Caviar and savor the ritual.

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