In summary: Shikran Caviar (Riofrío, Granada): the sustainable aquaculture brand that rivals the Caspian. Native Naccarii sturgeon, raised 15-18 years, European organic certification. 100-220 €/30g depending on species. Full traceability with CITES code.
Table of contents
What is Shikran and why it matters
Shikran is the premium caviar brand from the Riofrío fish farm, located in Loja (Granada). Founded in 1963, it is one of the oldest aquaculture producers in Europe, and since 1987 it has specialized in sturgeon farming for caviar production. Today it is a global benchmark for sustainable aquaculture caviar: the first organic caviar certified by the EU.
The name "Shikran" means "gratitude" in Arabic — a reference to the respect for the sturgeon, a prehistoric species with 250 million years of evolution. Each can carries a unique CITES code that allows tracing the species, origin, and exact production date.
The process: 15-18 years of patience
The difference from industrial Chinese or Asian fish farms: rearing time. In Riofrío, sturgeon live 15-18 years before extraction. In China, many producers extract at 7-8 years. The extra time is noticeable in the size of the roe, the strength of the membrane (the "pop" when bitten) and the complexity of the flavor.
Key steps:
- Rearing in natural spring water ponds at a constant 18-20°C.
- Feeding with certified organic feed.
- At 12-14 years, ultrasounds to determine sex (50% males discarded).
- At 15-18 years, mature females are extracted.
- Roe extraction, gentle washing, Malossol salting (4-5% salt).
- Packaging in cans with CITES code.
- Curing for 60-90 days at 0°C before distribution.
Varieties available at Bacalalo
Shikran Naccarii Classic (Acipenser naccarii): native Mediterranean Adriatic sturgeon, unique to Riofrío in Europe. Medium roe (2-2.5mm), brown-bronze color. Balanced flavor, clear nutty, slightly sweet. Price: 100-130 €/30g.
Shikran Baerii (Acipenser baerii): Siberian aquaculture sturgeon. Smaller roe (1.5-2mm), dark gray color. Intense mineral flavor. Price: 80-110 €/30g.
Shikran Beluga (Huso huso): the absolute premium. Large roe (3-4mm), light gray, almost white color. Buttery, delicate flavor, long finish. Price: 180-220 €/30g.
How Shikran tastes
Shikran's flavor differs from Caspian caviar mainly in its less saline and cleaner profile. Where Caspian can be more oceanic-mineral, Shikran has notes of fresh walnut, butter, and a slightly vegetal finish.
The membrane's texture is remarkable: very firm, a clear "pop" when bitten, without crumbling in the mouth. The prolonged curing in Riofrío produces roe that remains intact until consumption.
For Western palates (including Spanish), Shikran is usually more accessible than traditional wild Caspian, which can be intimidating on a first taste.
Pairing and serving
Classic pairing: Cold French brut nature Champagne. The fine bubbles cleanse the fat between bites without masking the flavor.
Spanish version: Brut nature Cava reserva from Penedès (Recaredo, Gramona). More affordable and on par with champagne for caviar.
Russian version: Icy vodka (-15°C) in a shot glass. For purists.
How to serve: small bowl over crushed ice, mother-of-pearl spoons of 5-6g each. Soft blinis (small pancake) with crème fraîche on the side, not on top of the caviar.
Why buy Shikran and not Caspian
Three objective reasons:
- Traceability: Each can has a unique CITES code. You know exactly what you are eating and where it was produced.
- Sustainability: Wild Caspian caviar has collapsed sturgeon populations. Shikran is 100% sustainable aquaculture.
- Consistent quality: Caspian has variable production depending on fishing; Shikran controls every parameter (temperature, feeding, age of extraction), producing stable quality batch after batch.
Price: Shikran costs 30-40% less than similar wild Caspian, with comparable or superior quality.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is Shikran?
Shikran caviar vs. Caspian caviar: which is better?
How much does Shikran cost?
What species does Shikran raise?
Is Shikran caviar organic?
How is Shikran caviar served correctly?
How to store opened Shikran?
To conclude
Shikran represents the future of quality caviar: traceable, sustainable, and within reach of the Spanish gourmet without resorting to Caspian products of dubious origin. If you want to start with premium caviar, Shikran Naccarii or Baerii are ideal entry points before jumping to Beluga. For a gourmet gift or special dinner, it is one of the few caviars that combines quality, ethics, and a reasonable price. At Bacalalo, we distribute the entire refrigerated Shikran range with a verified CITES code on each package.
