Ossetra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ossetra (Osetra or Asetra) caviar comes from the Ossetra sturgeon of between 50-400 pounds. This sturgeon can live up to 50 years. Ossetra caviar color can range from a warm brown to a greenish-gray color or a dark blue to jet black or even albino or white. The Ossetra caviar is said to have a nutty taste. It is highly prized as an elite caviar. The Osetra sturgeon is slightly smaller than the Beluga sturgeon. This caviar has a firmer texture than the more delicate Beluga. A rare form of Ossetra caviar is Golden Ossetra, it has a golden yellow color and is very rich in flavor.
As with other caviars, ossetra is served with an assortment of items. It is traditionally served on toast points with butter and freshly minced onions. It is also served on blinis. Sometimes cream cheese or sour cream is served with caviar along with crackers. It is used as a stuffing ingredient for many seafood dishes & even for some meats although this is usually the lower grades of caviar and not the more expensive types. Caviar can and is often found in salads as well.
