Alternatives to Illegal Beluga Caviar
The challenge to find suitable alternatives to Beluga caviar has resulted in a delightful exploration of a range of surprisingly close caviar variations. Traditional Beluga caviar/HUSO HUSO (scientific name) is harvested from the roe of the Beluga Sturgeons that were mostly found in the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea basin. Despite exaggerated spikes in the cost of this caviar, consistent demand that led to overfishing coupled with environmental changes resulted in a serious threat of extinction for the Beluga population.
Conservation policies were eventually enacted to protect these critically endangered sturgeons. These issues also drove a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ban Beluga caviar harvested from the Caspian and Black sea. The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) also suspended trade with Beluga caviar producers in these regions.
Although Beluga caviar is illegal, it may be found through black market operations.
Prices for Beluga caviar for sale today can range from $3,000 to $4,000 or more per pound. But you don’t have to pay these high prices for illegal Beluga caviar from illicit purveyors or be environmentally inconsiderate to enjoy high quality caviar. Bear in mind however, that even the most comparable caviar will have a subtle difference in flavor.
For those whose budget put illegal Beluga Caviar out of reach or others seeking to simulate the taste of this rare delicacy we recommend that you consider the following close caviar variations:
1.)According to some Beluga caviar aficionados, the large eggs of Kaluga Caviar Huso Dauricus most closely replicate the texture and taste of Beluga caviar. The mammoth size of the Beluga sturgeons produces some of the largest eggs for which the Beluga caviar brand has been so highly recognized. Much like the Beluga, the Kaluga is capable of growing to enormous sizes and is considered to also be one of the largest species in the sturgeon family. Because the Kaluga sturgeons grow to such an enormous size they too produce large glossy eggs that are immensely reminiscent of the Beluga’s large roe. Also, like the Beluga sturgeon, Kaluga sturgeons spend part of their life in salt water. This explains the similarity in the ever so faint essence of the ocean in both the Beluga and Kaluga caviar.
2.) Next to Beluga, Royal Imperial Caviar is considered to be one of the best in the world. Its comparative elements to Beluga caviar include the large golden eggs, firm texture and exquisite nutty flavor. The descendants of these prehistoric sturgeons that can grow to great lengths and weight up to 350 pounds contribute to the robust quality of this caviar.
3.) Even the most discerning palate will agree that the size, texture and overall quality of the Amur Ossetra Caviar need no qualification as a stand out among high-end caviar. The Crisp texture of the large Amur Ossetra roe produces a complex array of sweet and nutty flavors that translate into a rare decadent treat. Amur Osetra sturgeons are farmed sustainably in the Amur River between Russia and China. With no compromise on taste and considerably more affordable than Beluga sturgeon roe, Amur Ossetra Caviar will convince even a genuine Beluga caviar lover that they have found the perfect alternative.
Find other close caviar variations to Beluga caviar when you visit our caviar online store www.caviarlover.com . We feature the freshest caviar and other specialty foods such as foie gras, truffles, Spanish Saffron Filament Threads or gourmet gift baskets among others at Caviar Lover online resource. You can also learn more about caviar discounts and tips by joining our Caviar Lover Facebook page.
