NATIONAL CAVIAR DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on July 18th
- WHAT
- Recognizes a seafood delicacy and brings awareness to the fish that produces it.
- STAT
- Tje U.S. distributes over 1,300 metric tons of caviar annually (a market value of $446 million)
NATIONAL CAVIAR DAY
On July 18, National Caviar Day recognizes a seafood delicacy with roe on toast. The day also raises awareness about the survival of the sturgeon.
#NationalCaviarDay
In simple terms, caviar is Sturgeon fish eggs. There are several species of Sturgeon fish. As a result, the caviar produced varies in colors depending on the species. Caviar is full of protein and vitamins making the delicacy a healthy meal.
True caviar only comes from fish belonging to the Acipenseridae (sturgeon) family, which includes 27 different species. Caviar coming from any other fish is not true caviar.
The United States led distribution at 600 tons per year until around 1900. However, due to the over-harvesting of Sturgeon fish for the caviar, the U.S. banned harvesting for a time to protect the sturgeon fish from becoming extinct. The population has never recovered sufficiently since the ban, resulting in caviar's continued status as a luxury item. Since then, harvesting, import, and export are restricted.
However, since sturgeon don't reach maturity until they are between 6-25 years old, depending on the breed, establishing a farm takes time. Once they reach maturity, aquaculture needed to perfect methods for spawning. According to the North American Sturgeon and Paddlefish Society, by 2012 there were 21 sturgeon farms in the U.S. and Canada.
The day serves both as an awareness of the food source and a celebration of a delicacy.
Ancient Origins
The Persians were among the first to prepare caviar around 500 BCE, using it as a "cake of strength" for medicinal purposes and vitality rather than a gourmet delicacy.
The Russian Pivot
In Russia, sturgeon roe was originally considered a cheap food for peasants and fishermen. It wasn't until the 16th and 17th centuries that Russian Tsars catapulted it into the realm of absolute luxury, a status later adopted by European royalty.
American Saloons
In 19th-century America, sturgeon was so abundant that saloons used to serve free caviar like bar peanuts. Because it was incredibly salty, it encouraged patrons to buy more beer!
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CAVIAR DAY
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True sturgeon caviar can be incredibly expensive. Look for alternative fish roe at your local grocery store, such as Salmon Roe or Capelin Roe, and enjoy the flavors they have to offer.
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One of the trendiest ways to eat caviar right now is actually the simplest--a thick potato chip. . Grab a bag and top them with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, followed by a small spoonful of fish roe. The crunch of the chip combined with the creamy dairy and salty pop of the eggs is an incredible flavor combination.
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Make a gourmet breakfast! Scrambled some eggs or bake a batch of frozen hashbrown patties. Top them with a little bit of sour cream and a spoonful of your chosen caviar and enjoy!
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Share your caviar experiences on social media using the hashtag #NationalCaviarDay.
NATIONAL CAVIAR DAY HISTORY
We were unable to identify the creator of National Caviar Day.