In summary: Three main species of Caspian caviar: Beluga (Huso huso) largest roe (3-4mm), light gray color, delicate buttery flavor, €180-400/30g. Osetra (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) medium roe (2-3mm), nutty/hazelnut, €100-180/30g. Sevruga (A. stellatus) small roe (1.5-2mm), intense mineral, €50-120/30g.
Table of contents
BELUGA (Huso huso): The absolute king
Species: Huso huso, the largest sturgeon in the world (up to 6m and 1,500 kg). The oldest in caviar production.
Roe: the LARGEST, 3-4 mm diameter. Color: light gray to almost white-pearl. Bright and firm.
Flavor: delicate, buttery, slightly sweet. Notes of raw hazelnut. Very long finish (40-60 seconds).
Price: €180-400/30g depending on quality. The most expensive on the market.
Ideal pairing: French brut nature Champagne. Beluga caviar deserves "the most expensive champagne you have." No accompaniments: the flavor is the star.
OSETRA (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii): The popular balance
Species: Acipenser gueldenstaedtii. The most popular on the world market: 60% of caviar consumed is Osetra.
Roe: medium, 2-3 mm diameter. Color: golden-bronze to dark brown depending on the sturgeon's maturity.
Flavor: fresh nut and hazelnut. More complex than Beluga, less buttery. Subtle vegetable notes.
Price: €100-180/30g. The best seller due to its excellent value for money.
Ideal pairing: Brut Champagne, Cava Reserva, ice-cold vodka. Serve with warm blinis + crème fraîche + chopped chives.
SEVRUGA (Acipenser stellatus): The most intense
Species: Acipenser stellatus, smaller starry sturgeon.
Roe: the SMALLEST, 1.5-2 mm. Color: dark gray, almost black.
Flavor: the most INTENSE of the three. Deep, mineral, maritime. Very long persistence. For "initiated" palates.
Price: €50-120/30g. The most accessible among premium Caspian caviars.
Ideal pairing: Ice-cold vodka (its intensity needs the "reset" of strong alcohol). Brut nature Cava also works. Minimalist accompaniment — the caviar's flavor is the absolute star.
Spanish Shikran vs the 3 from the Caspian
Shikran Naccarii (Acipenser naccarii): native Adriatic sturgeon, unique to Riofrío (Spain). Roe 2-2.5mm, bronze-brown color. Flavor between Osetra and Sevruga: balanced, slightly sweet. €100-130/30g.
Shikran Baerii (Acipenser baerii): Siberian aquaculture sturgeon, also produced by Shikran. Smaller roe (1.5-2mm), dark gray color. Mineral flavor, comparable to Sevruga but cleaner. €80-110/30g.
Comparison with Caspian: Shikran offers comparable or superior quality to premium Caspian at a 30-40% lower price, guaranteed CITES traceability, and aquaculture sustainability. The "secret" to accessible premium caviar in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beluga caviar worth €400/30g?
Which is best for beginners?
How long does opened caviar last?
Why is Beluga more expensive?
Shikran or premium Caspian?
How to serve Beluga?
To conclude
Knowing the 3 species allows you to choose the right caviar for the occasion. Beluga for "once in a lifetime," Osetra for "recurrent celebrations," Sevruga for "accessible initiation." Caspian Caviar with CITES for all 3 species + Spanish Shikran for sustainable alternatives. Calibrating the choice to the event is what distinguishes the gourmet from the casual buyer.
