1. Beluga Caviar:
- Origin: Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso), found in the Caspian Sea.
- Color: Dark gray to black.
- Flavor: Rich, buttery, and exceptionally smooth.
- Rarity: Beluga sturgeon is critically endangered, making its caviar one of the rarest and most expensive.
2. Osetra Caviar:
- Origin: Osetra sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), found in the Caspian and Black Seas.
- Color: Golden brown to dark amber.
- Flavor: Complex and nutty, with a briny undertone.
- Rarity: Less rare than Beluga caviar but still highly prized.
3. Sevruga Caviar:
- Origin: Sevruga sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus), found in the Caspian and Black Seas.
- Color: Light gray to dark gray.
- Flavor: Mild, slightly briny, and clean taste.
- Rarity: More abundant than Beluga and Osetra caviar, making it relatively more affordable.
4. Sterlet Caviar:
- Origin: Sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus), found in the Caspian, Black, and Adriatic Seas.
- Color: Light brown to dark brown.
- Flavor: Delicate, fresh, and slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness.
- Rarity: Sterlet sturgeon is protected due to its dwindling population, making its caviar comparatively scarce.
5. Kaluga Caviar:
- Origin: Kaluga sturgeon (Huso dauricus), found in the Amur River basin in China and Russia.
- Color: Dark gray or black similar to Beluga caviar.
- Flavor: Rich, buttery, and slightly creamy with a mild briny aftertaste.
- Rarity: Farmed Kaluga caviar is available, reducing the strain on wild populations.
6. American Paddlefish Caviar:
- Origin: American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), found in the Mississippi River basin in the United States.
- Color: Golden brown or amber.
- Flavor: Mild and slightly smoky with delicate briny notes.
- Rarity: American paddlefish caviar is produced in limited quantities, making it quite exclusive.
7. Whitefish Caviar:
- Origin: Various whitefish species, such as lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and cisco (Coregonus artedi), found in North American lakes.
- Color: Light orange or creamy yellow.
- Flavor: Mild, subtly sweet, and less salty compared to sturgeon caviar.
- Rarity: Commonly available and more affordable compared to sturgeon caviar.
8. Lumpfish Caviar:
- Origin: Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), found in the North Atlantic.
- Color: Light gray or brown, dyed to mimic sturgeon caviar.
- Flavor: Mild and slightly briny, often used as a budget-friendly alternative to sturgeon caviar.
- Rarity: Widely available and less expensive compared to sturgeon caviar.
Each type of caviar offers unique flavors and textures, making them highly sought-after delicacies enjoyed globally for their exquisite taste and luxury status.