Whether you are an experienced sturgeon caviar enjoyer or a newcomer, you've surely come across the famous Beluga and Ossetra sturgeon caviars.
Known for their large and beautiful pearly eggs, exquisite flavour and irresistible texture, Beluga and Ossetra caviar sit at the very top of the caviar world.
However, you may be wondering, is Beluga better than Ossetra caviar? Which should you choose? In this guide, we'll help you make that decision based on your tastes, your budget, the occasion, and several other important factors to consider before choosing the perfect caviar.
Beluga vs Ossetra Caviar
Beluga Caviar - For the sophisticated.
- Price: starting at $225 per ounce (28g)
- Flavour Profile: buttery, sweet, aromatic, sea salt, gentle notes of nuts, dried fruits & flowers
- Colours: striking shades of grey to black
- Size: large pearls (3.0 – 3.6 millimetres)
- Origins: Caspian & Black Seas
- Fish Size: large-very large
- Time to Maturity: 16+ years
Ossetra Caviar - For the expert.
- Price: starting at $110 per ounce (28g)
- Flavour Profile: Creamy, savoury brine, nutty, subtle hints of toasted grains, dried fruit & the ocean
- Colours: shades of olive, auburn, & amber
- Size: medium-large pearls (2.7 – 3.2 mm)
- Origins: Caspian & Black Seas
- Fish Size: medium-large
- Time to Maturity: 13+ years
Below, you’ll find a quick comparison between Beluga and Ossetra caviar. Ossetra caviar is also known as Osetra, Oscietra, and Russian Sturgeon caviar.
The Flavours
When choosing the ultimate caviar for your needs, it’s important to reflect on your personal preferences. More expensive caviar does not necessarily mean that it’s better than a less expensive one.
Beluga and Ossetra caviars are quite similar to each other in terms of taste. They are both rich and creamy with complex hints and notes. Many caviar veterans choose Ossetra over Beluga because it yields a similar experience but is more budget-friendly.
However, if you have a very refined palate, you will find that Beluga is less salty and carries a sweeter and more aromatic body compared to Ossetra.
Ossetra on the other hand carries a saltier flavour with a nice and subtle nutty hint with an ocean-like mineral finish that feels refreshing.
The Occasion
What and how the caviar is enjoyed will also impact which is the best choice for you and your guests.
Beluga caviar must be enjoyed “neat”, meaning on its own. It’s far too tasty, precious, and pricey to mix into a dish. However, if money is no object, it can be acceptably enjoyed on buttered toast or blini.
Beluga caviar is ideal for enjoying on its own before a meal with a glass of champagne in a small group setting. It’s also the perfect gift to make a lasting impression on a loved one, coworker, or business partner. However, if money is no object, it can be used to impress your guests whether it be a large party or wedding.
Ossetra caviar can be enjoyed on its own, on buttered toast or blini, as a topping for oysters, or to spruce up a dish. Ossetra is great to make a luxurious culinary statement in both small and large group settings given its attractive price point.
As such, if you’re looking for a true gastronomic caviar experience in a small group setting, we would recommend Beluga if your budget permits but Ossetra will be a very close second if not. If you’re looking to enjoy caviar in a larger group setting or elevate a dish, we recommend Ossetra over Beluga.
The Pairing
Another consideration when choosing between Beluga and Ossetra is how you pair it with drinks or other foods.
As we touched upon earlier, Beluga caviar is best enjoyed on its own and can be paired with a glass of brut champagne. Avoid pairing it with anything that carries a strong flavour, which will hinder the exceptional gourmet experience.
Comparatively, Ossetra caviar can be enjoyed on practically any food or on its own. It’s best paired with champagne (brut), dry rose or a glass of dry white wine (flat or sparkling).
Given its amazing flavour and texture, we would also avoid pairing it with strong flavours to embrace the exceptional taste.
Needless to say, caviar goes well with a wide range of foods from oysters, seafood and sushi to pasta and steak. How you choose to enjoy or experiment with caviar, regardless of the type, is ultimately up to you.
Colours & Textures
As the Roman foodie, Apicius once said we eat with our eyes. A culinary experience is truly not the same without a stunning visual display.
Both Beluga and Ossetra exhibit beautifully striking colours captured into perfectly shaped pearls. While both kinds have a perfectly firm and silky texture that creates an amazing experience on every bite, they do, however, vary in colour.
Beluga caviar naturally ranges from light grey to black. This exquisite display of colour is where the term Black Caviar originates, which is synonymous with world-class caviar.
If you want to showcase gorgeous black caviar to your guest, we recommend Beluga caviar. It will unquestionably set the stage for an elegant and unforgettable evening.
Fun fact: Albino Beluga caviar, known as Almas caviar, is naturally pearly white. This extremely rare type of caviar is the most expensive in the world and can be found in the South of the Caspian Sea along the coast of Iran.
Ossetra caviar on the other hand has a more broad range of colours. It naturally comes in a rich and deep olive green, light to dark brown, amber, auburn, or even black. Most commonly, Ossetra is a shade of brown or auburn, with high-grade products being closer to amber.
The stunning shades of Ossetra make it perfect to decorate any dish or table for you and your guests.
Note: As a natural product, the colour varies from fish to fish but always remains within the same range of colours for the same type of caviar.
The Budget
As we touched upon in previous sections, Beluga caviar is not only more expensive than Ossetra but it is in fact more expensive than any other kind of caviar.
If you’re in a small group setting (1 to 4 guests), we recommend indulging in Beluga caviar. The price difference exists but it’s not substantial when looking at 28g to 200g servings.
For a larger group of 5 or more people, the budget may become a bigger concern. That being said if money is an obstacle you will want to lean toward the more budget-friendly Ossetra. Nonetheless, you can be sure to be enjoying and sharing a premium-grade caviar that any caviar lover will thoroughly enjoy and be impressed by.
Summary
All things considered, Beluga and Ossetra are more alike than different. They are the best two types of caviar with similar flavour profiles, egg size, and textures. The two vary in their subtle flavours, colours, and price.
Beluga is a more sophisticated option perfect for enjoying on its own. It’s the ideal pick for a true and unparalleled sturgeon caviar experience.
Ossetra is a popular and highly appreciated option enjoyed by caviar experts from around the world. Its vivid colours and irresistible flavours make it a luxurious treat for small and large groups alike.
