Are you sure you know all the types of Caviar? Paddlefish grown in the US is famous Caviar that you can get at a great price, with delicious taste and quality. Read on and find out what it is, how it tastes, and where to buy it.

Let’s introduce you to American Paddlefish Caviar. Also known as “spoonbill” because of its duckbill-like snout. Paddlefish are huge. An average adult can reach 5ft to 7ft in length, and a giant Paddlefish on record caught in Iowa weighed nearly 200 pounds. Paddlefish can live more than 50 years. Females do not mature until almost 20-years-old, while males mature at about 10-years-old. Paddlefish is the cousin to the Hackleback sturgeon, and its roe is harvested from the Mississippi and White River. In color, Paddlefish go from light green to dark steel gray and is comparable to Caspian Sea Sevruga in flavor. A fine yet less expensive alternative to Sturgeon Caviar. 

Considering Caviar is traditionally farmed in Europe, why rural areas of places like Montana, Missouri, and Oklahoma end up supplying the world with fancy fish eggs? In the 1980s, as a reaction to reduced access to the Caspian Sea, the American Paddlefish began being fished for its roe. Plus, Paddlefish and sturgeon belong to the same taxonomic class of fish. Their eggs are similar in shape and size. They taste pretty similar, too.

However, Paddlefish hasn’t always been on the top of popularity. Brandon Brown, a Caviar program coordinator at the Paddlefish Research Center in the Department of Wildlife Conservation, says, “In the past, they’ve been undervalued, especially in Oklahoma. We’ve worked hard on one of the things trying to change the way people look at and think about Paddlefish and viewing them as meat for the table and their ecological and sporting attributes. Most people in Oklahoma don’t eat the eggs, and they are often discarded. Still, to someone who appreciates Caviar, they are a precious resource.”

The future for the Paddlefish has been threatened due to its condition as a native species. Like other states, including Montana and North Dakota, Oklahoma has developed a locally run program. Suppose a recreational fisherman catches a Paddlefish. He can bring it to a state-run facility that will collect biological data professionally clean and package the angler’s catch for free. Most of the Caviar is exported with a smaller amount designated for the U.S. market. One hundred percent of the revenue from Caviar sales is used directly to benefit Oklahoma’s fish and wildlife resources. These are some examples of running strategies to preserve Paddlefish and reducing the risk of shortage. 

Now you know more about Paddlefish, it’s time to talk about Paddlefish Caviar. Paddlefish roe is often regarded as having a “rich and complex” flavor expected of Caspian Sea Caviar. The flavor is earthy and bold but with a lovely, delicate buttery taste that smooths over the palate. Its pearls are tiny and glossy, and its eggs come in many shades of gray, from pale to dark steel, and are also found in golden brown tones. Paddlefish Caviar can taste “muddy”; as with any product; some are better than others. Trying Paddlefish Caviar, you’ll get close to the taste of true Caviar without the cost.

Paddlefish is not a sturgeon but produces eggs that look and taste similar to true Caviar, even though it technically is not “Caviar.” These kinds of products are known as substitutes. Can said that Caviar substitutes have a less unique flavor than Caviar. They lacked the complex, buttery notes of an Osetra or the clean brine taste of roe from a Siberian Sturgeon. They are often described as saltier and fish-flavored than roe from a sturgeon. However, this description is more accurate for certain Caviar substitutes than others.  

So if you want to buy Caviar but sturgeon roe or any other is looking a bit too much for your budget, try a substitute like Paddlefish Caviar. It is not generally suggested for first-timers because of its strong flavor and earthy finish. However, its competitive price and excellent quality make Paddlefish Caviar the number one choice for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, cocktail receptions, etc. While a Classic Osetra costs $76.00, getting Paddlefish Caviar, you’ll save more than half the price. And still is excellent quality food that will surely surprise your guests or provide you a one-of-a-kind experience. Paddlefish Caviar would be a perfect recommendation for a chef that would like to add Caviar to a brunch buffet or an event with a limited budget. It is also commonly used on cruise lines and restaurant chains as their buffet Caviar of choice.

Paddlefish Caviar is an excellent addition to hors d’oeuvres, canapés, and like all top-quality Caviars. It can be enjoyed on toasts or blini with a dollop of crème fraîche or served over a hard-boiled egg. And how to help it? All the recommendations shared with the other types of Caviar also apply to Paddlefish Caviar. Serve small amounts, try not to chew the Caviar, or miss some of the more subtle flavors and if you want to pair it according to the tradition, use vodka. Otherwise, something a little lighter like champagne goes together very nicely too. 

You can visit our store and order Paddlefish Caviar in different sizes. Click here and get ready to try it! House of Caviar offers you a great variety of Caviar produced in America and also, Imported. What are you waiting for? Visit our entire website and find all the products we have for you.