The least known representative of sturgeons is the beluga. The largest of freshwater fish. it is known that some of the caught individuals weighed up to one and a half tons. Beluga caviar is eaten; moreover, it is the most expensive animal product .
Beluga
In general, this creation is really huge - the capture of an instance 4.2 meters long is recorded. There are suggestions that it is possible to meet individuals up to 9 meters and weighing 2 tons, however, such cases have not been documented.
This fish lives for a very long time, up to a hundred or more years. Unlike salmon, dying immediately after spawning, beluga caviar is not the cause of its death. These fish can spawn many times. Having laid eggs, they return to their usual habitats.
Beluga is a predator eating fish. He begins to engage in robbery, while still a fry in his native river. In the sea he tries to get along with fish, but sometimes he snacks at mollusks. In some specimens caught, newborn seals were discovered.
Fish has long been listed in the Red Book. Her capture, purchase and sale of any of its parts, including caviar, is currently prohibited. However, on the black market, you can purchase any of the parts. Only now it will take several years to wait. The fact is that the stock of beluga has significantly decreased. In recent years, much less caviar has been supplied to the black market than those willing to buy it. The main suppliers of the product bought caviar in advance, 4 years in advance. In addition, this fish is protected by the laws of all countries, so those who sell these products violate the law. Like those who acquire it.
Almost all Beluga caviar is deposited in the Volga basin. All available beluga species differ from each other in their habitats. Since both meat and caviar of this fish have a very high price, attempts have been made to breed it in captivity. However, what is now declared a beluga at fish factories is not really a beluga - it is just a mixture of noble fish with others that do not have such a high pedigree.
Types of caviar
In ancient times, it was impossible to imagine a gala dinner in the royal house, if the main course was not on the table - black beluga caviar. Black, however, it can be called a stretch. In fact, it has a dark gray color. The smell of caviar is specific, the taste is nutty.
There is one kind of caviar, but there are many colors. And the lighter it is, the higher the cost. The most expensive is beluga albino caviar. The product from older fish has a more refined and refined taste. The color of the caviar from such a rare creature is white, with golden glimpses. Gloss intensity also directly depends on the age of the fish.
White beluga caviar, like a product of other colors, does not tolerate contact with metal utensils - it kills the taste. Serve this product has long been accepted or to cool champagne, or to vodka, chilled as much as possible.
This caviar is the largest, its diameter reaches 6 mm. The price, as can be assumed, also depends on the size of individual grains, on the degree of their maturity and even on the place where the caviar was obtained. Caviar of fish living in the Caspian Sea basin is considered the most valuable.
Structure
Beluga caviar is rich in various groups of vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, molybdenum, magnesium, fluorine, sodium, iron. Each of these substances is necessary to maintain a healthy and beautiful body. In addition, the beluga meat for the fifth part consists of protein, which is easily absorbed completely, giving the body the amino acids it needs so much.
Fatty acids are contained in caviar and beluga meat in a smaller amount than other sturgeons, but it is an excellent supplier of omega-3 fatty acids, without which the process of stabilizing intercellular processes is impossible. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, help reduce the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack.
Benefit
The composition of the product itself indicates its usefulness to the body. It is recommended for use in dietary nutrition, for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for the prevention of heart problems and other ailments. However, given how much beluga albino caviar costs, as well as caviar of other colors, it is unlikely that some ordinary citizens will be able to not only eat this product, but even try it. However, not everyone will even see it.
Both fish and beluga caviar are very high-calorie dishes: 100 grams of meat contains 150 calories, while caviar contains 250 calories. However, based on the price for every hundred grams, you can not worry too much. It is unlikely that it will be possible to eat enough in order for the product to affect the nutritional value of the diet.
Contraindications
Beluga caviar, the photo of which reminds us of what this product that has disappeared from the diet looks like, can be contraindicated only to people with individual intolerance to the product.
Prices
The prices for this product are shocking and shocking. The most expensive is beluga albino caviar. It is so expensive that it is customary to pack it in jars made of gold. This "gold reserve", whose weight is less than 100 grams, is estimated at about 2 thousand dollars. A kilogram of a unique product will cost $ 23,000. Vegetable caviar can also be purchased at a similar price. Only instead of a kilogram, 13 tons of this tasty, undoubtedly useful, but very inexpensive and not exclusive product will have to be consumed.
Beluga caviar, which is not an albino, is cheaper, but not enough to become accessible to most buyers. Its price varies from 10 to 19 thousand dollars per kilogram, depending on the color of the caviar. The lighter the more expensive. And the older the fish that gave this caviar, the higher the cost.
If you are offered to purchase inexpensive beluga caviar - be absolutely sure that this is not it. This may be the roe of hybrids bred artificially, or even the laying of some other fish. Even if the seller assures that he gives away so cheaply, because in a hurry / urgently need money / another reason - in no case do not believe it. Nobody will sell good, high-quality, real beluga caviar below the average market price, and all the more so will not do it in obscure places and markets. In the end, people really capable of acquiring such a product do not go to the markets.