Simply put Ossetra caviar is the world's best caviar. Just as diamonds are rare and therefore valuable Ossetra is more rare than other fish roe. There is no question this is the most desirable of all the Caspian caviars. There is value in rarity so this is one factor which contributes to the cost. Another factor is obviously the taste and texture which results in great demand for this product. This comes from the Osetra Sturgeon and is also known as Osetra and Asetra caviar.
The Ossetra Sturgeon is a little smaller than the also excellent Beluga Sturgeon. So with a smaller species of fish you have less roe. It is also more firm than Beluga and many people prefer this texture. The color can range from white, brown, jet black or dark blue. The taste is clean, crisp and has a buttery, nutty flavor.
There is an especially rare Osetra which is golden in color and has a stronger flavor.
The caviar is generally Iranian (called "Asetra"), Serbian or Russian in origin. However, farmed Osetra caviar is available from Uruguay, Israel, France, Iran and the United States.
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