How to Serve Caviar – Guide To Caviar Care
Did you know that Browne has been importing and distributing caviar out of Portland, Maine for almost 30 years? This was started by our owner, Rod Browne Mitchell, who is considered a leading world expert on caviar.
Rod oversees the caviar operation here and provided this caviar guide for us. If you are interested in learning more about Rod’s story click here. If you would like to see what happens behind the scenes in our caviar room, click here.
How to Serve Caviar
Allow refrigerated caviar to sit (unopened) at room temperature for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. Traditionally caviar is served in a two-piece service set, the top holding the delicate eggs and the bottom containing shaved ice. Using the bowl of your choice gently transfer the caviar from its tin and nestle the bowl over ice to remain chilled throughout your indulgence.
If you have remaining caviar after serving, we recommend softly spreading it flat, taking care to not break any of the eggs, and then cover with plastic wrap, pressing down ever so gently on the top so there is no air space between the eggs and the wrap. The remaining caviar should be consumed within the following three days.
Caviar can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For an unadulterated experience, try one of our mother of pearl spoons. The use of metal utensils will detract from the caviar’s true essence on your pallet. Consider serving caviar on blinis with crème fraiche, thin toast points lightly coated with sweet butter, or on boiled petit potatoes.
Caring for Caviar
Caviar should be kept in the coldest part of your refrigerator and should never be frozen. It will remain optimal in the coldest part of your refrigerator unopened for 4-6 weeks and once opened for 3 days.
Air is caviar’s number one enemy. Ideally, it is best to purchase containers in increments you will consume in a single sitting. Thus, you may want to consider a couple of smaller tins rather than one larger one. The slight cost difference is money well spent as the quality will not be jeopardized when intended for multiple experiences.
Suggested Serving Sizes
| Jar / Tin | Size Serves |
|---|---|
| 20g. | One person |
| 30g. / 1oz. | 1-2 people medium hors d’oeuvres |
| 50g. / 2oz. | 2-3 people medium hors d’oeuvres or 4 people light hors d’oeuvres |
| 125g. / 4.5oz. | 4-6 people medium hors d’oeuvres or 6-10 people light hors d’oeuvres |
| 250g. / 7oz. | 10-15 people medium hors d’oeuvres or 18-20 people light hors d’oeuvres |
| 500g. / 1Lb. | 20-25 people medium hors d’oeuvres or 35-45 people light hors d’oeuvres |
| 1 kilo / 2.2 Lb. | 50-60 people medium hors d’oeuvres or 80-90 people light hors d’oeuvres |
Click here to see our Caviar Gift Sets and Caviar Accompaniments.