Why Fish Eggs Are a Delicacy

Fish eggs, otherwise known as caviar, are unfertilized eggs often referred to as roe. Caviar is harvested exclusively from one particular fish – the sturgeon family of fish. After harvesting, they are salt-cured before distribution.

There are other types of popular fish roe on the market, such as from the bright orange salmon family of fish called ikura, however, only fish eggs from the sturgeon family are classed as caviar.

Fish eggs are seen as a delicacy. They are expensive to purchase, and are often served in fine dining restaurants. In this article, we are going to find out why fish eggs are so desirable and why they come at such a high price.

What are the health benefits of fish eggs?

Fish eggs pack a lot of nutritional value, and this is a primary reason why they are so valued. In fact, they are a powerhouse for nutrition.

Omega-3

Firstly, they are packed with the common benefit of fish oil – providing omega-3 and high components of anti-inflammatory fats. Fish eggs are better than omega-3 supplements, as it is a natural substance with less chance of oxidizing during the processing period. The fatty acids provided from omega-3 are crucial for heart health, proper brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body that can potentially lead to chronic diseases.

Vitamin D

As well as this, fish eggs are one of the few natural sources of fat-soluble vitamin D. This functions together with omega-3 fatty acids to help the body absorb more of the healthy fats rather than unhealthy fats.

Vitamin B12

Another vitamin present in fish eggs is B12. Again, this aids in healthy brain function. As well as this, it helps with improving mood and mental health symptoms, and helps the metabolic process of using food for energy.

Other components

The nutritional value of fish eggs doesn’t stop there. To add to it’s impressive list of vitamins, they also contain; iron, selium, magnesium, and a slight amount of calcium.

Counter to this, there are some negative substances in fish eggs as well. They are high in cholesterol and sodium, which if consumed excessively can increase the risk of heart disease. Just 300mg of black/dark caviar already makes up for half of the recommended daily amount of cholesterol for an adult. For these reasons, fish eggs should be eaten in moderation.

Why are fish eggs so expensive?

Caviar is one of the highest-ranked food products in the world for expenses. The number of digits can vary, depending on who you buy it from and where.

There are of course cheaper types of fish eggs, such as from the ikura salmon. Nonetheless, if you opt for the official beluga caviar, the price tag is immense. With variations of fish such as almas or beluga, the cost can reach as much as $25,000 per KG.

There are five main reasons for the high price of fish eggs;

The availability of the fish, or scarcity of the fish
The time it takes for the maturation of roe
The harvesting and manufacturing process
Grading the salted roe, ensuring the quality
The popularity and demand vs. the supply amount and sourcing options

Of course, these five points cannot fully explain how caviar came to be such a fortune. However, it does give a broader view. The expenses incurred by caviar producers are strongly related to the rarity of the fish, the associated cost of supplying them, and the time it takes to harvest the eggs.

Is caviar worth the price?

Since so many people are willing to pay the costly amount in order to purchase caviar, to them, the product must be worth the money. Nonetheless, caviar is a required taste product that some may love and others may hate.

Fish roe from orange salmon is significantly cheaper than caviar. One reason for the higher cost of caviar is because it does not have the same bitter taste as salmon roe eggs.

Conclusion

Fish eggs are seen as a delicacy due to their many health benefits, the rarity of the fish, and the delicate harvesting process. Caviar is one of the world’s most expensive food products, reaching prices that cannot be competed with. Many people enjoy fish eggs as part of a fine dining meal, or to celebrate with on special occasions.