Oscietra caviar, harvested from the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), has long been celebrated as one of the finest and most sought-after types of caviar in the world. If you’ve ever wondered what is Oscietra caviar and why it inspires such devotion, think of medium-sized pearls with a rich, nutty flavour, hints of hazelnut and butter, and a beautifully clean finish.
Once flown in from Russia and Iran, Oscietra caviar UK lovers can now enjoy this delicacy from sustainable British producers such as Exmoor Caviar, making it easier than ever to buy Oscietra caviar for special occasions at home.
What is Oscietra Caviar?
Oscietra caviar comes from the Russian sturgeon, a slow-growing fish that can take over a decade to reach maturity. That long wait is part of what makes Oscietra so precious: the older the sturgeon, the more complex and nuanced the flavour of its roe.
The caviar pearls range from golden brown to deep grey, with a firm texture that gently “pops” on the palate. Compared with Beluga, Oscietra is slightly less creamy but often more layered in flavour, which is why so many chefs consider it their favourite.
What is Royal Oscietra Caviar?
If you’ve seen tins labelled Royal Oscietra or Imperial Oscietra, these usually indicate the most refined, perfectly graded eggs from each harvest. What is royal Oscietra caviar? In most cases, it’s Oscietra with particularly uniform, glossy pearls and an exceptionally balanced flavour profile – elegant enough to serve simply on its own with a spoon.
For true connoisseurs asking where can I buy elite reserve Oscietra caviar, Exmoor and a handful of specialist suppliers offer limited-edition selections from their very best sturgeon.
Spotlight on Exmoor Oscietra Caviar: A British Touch of Excellence
The sturgeon at Exmoor are allowed to mature for up to 14 years before the caviar is harvested, resulting in Exmoor Oscietra caviar with an unparalleled depth of flavour and buttery richness. You’ll notice hints of cream and hazelnut that make it irresistibly moreish.
Favoured by Michelin-starred chefs, Exmoor Caviar Oscietra shines both on its own and in refined dishes – spooned onto scallops, nestled on a silky potato purée, or served in tiny tartlets for an elegant canapé. By choosing Exmoor, you’re indulging in one of the world’s most prestigious foods while supporting the only company permitted to farm sturgeon in the UK for over 700 years.
Exmoor Imperial Oscietra Caviar
Exmoor Caviar brings a distinctly British touch to Oscietra caviar. Sturgeon are allowed to mature for up to 14 years, resulting in buttery, nutty roe with a beautiful, lingering finish – the kind of depth of flavour that makes each tin feel like a real occasion.
- Sustainably farmed in the clean waters of Exmoor, Devon
- Imperial-grade Oscietra with notes of cream and hazelnut
- Perfect for serving simply on blinis, potatoes or scallops
Check Exmoor Caviar for current tin sizes and pricing.
How Much Oscietra Caviar Do You Need? 30g vs 50g
When you’re planning a celebration, it can be hard to judge whether to order Oscietra caviar 30g or upgrade to Oscietra caviar 50g. As a rough guide:
- Oscietra caviar 30g – ideal for two people to enjoy a few generous spoonfuls, or for four guests if it’s part of a selection of canapés.
- Oscietra caviar 50g – better if you’re hosting a small gathering and want each guest to have a more indulgent serving, especially if you’re presenting the caviar on blinis, potatoes or brioche.
For larger parties, you can mix and match: one 50g tin of Imperial Oscietra alongside a 30g tin of something contrasting, such as smoked Exmoor caviar or Baerii, gives guests a chance to compare flavours.
Elegant Ways to Serve Oscietra Caviar
The way you present caviar is almost as important as the caviar itself. A beautiful caviar set turns a small tin into a centrepiece.
Waterford Mastercraft Irish Lace Caviar Set, 27cm (Set of 2)
Approx. £2,200
If you’re looking for a caviar set that feels as special as the Oscietra itself, this cut-crystal Waterford design is hard to beat. The 27 cm bowl is designed to hold crushed ice, with a raised insert to cradle your Oscietra tin in suitably luxurious style.
- Hand-cut crystal with timeless Irish Lace patterning
- 27 cm caviar set, set of 2 – perfect for generous entertaining
- Beautiful on a drinks trolley, sideboard or formal dining table
Price correct at time of writing. Availability may vary.
Caviar Serving Dish – Footed 2 Piece Scallop Shell & Oyster Set
If you’re looking for something more accessible, we love this scallop shell and oyster caviar serving dish from Etsy. The gilded shell looks beautiful filled with crushed ice, with the smaller oyster dish holding the caviar. It captures the romance of the sea, works just as well for a 30 g tin as for a 50 g serving, and is a fraction of the price of cut crystal.
Shop the scallop shell caviar dishBoth this shell set and the Waterford caviar set pair perfectly with non-metallic spoons – think mother-of-pearl, glass or horn – so the flavour of the Oscietra remains pure.
For more ideas on accompaniments, from classic blinis to crisp cucumber slices and ice-cold vodka, explore our full guide: What to Serve with Caviar?
Caviar accessories we love: For dedicated mother-of-pearl spoons, we also like this shell dish and spoon set on Etsy , which works beautifully alongside either caviar set above.
Gold-Trim Shell Dish & Mother-of-Pearl Spoon Set
For a pretty finishing touch, this gold-edged shell dish with matching mother-of-pearl spoon is a lovely alternative to metal cutlery. The soft pink shell tones echo the hues of the sea and look beautiful alongside both the Waterford set and the scallop shell server.
The non-metallic spoon helps keep the flavour of the Oscietra perfectly clean, and the dish is ideal for presenting a small 30 g tin or a delicate tasting portion for two.
Shop the shell dish & spoon setA highly rated Etsy find, and a chic little gift for any caviar lover.
FAQs
Why is Oscietra Caviar So Expensive?
Oscietra caviar’s high price comes from several factors. The Russian sturgeon can take up to 15 years to mature, so producers invest in their fish for many years before a single egg is harvested. Farming is carefully controlled, with strict standards around water quality and welfare, and only the finest eggs are selected. Add in the rarity of the species and complex export regulations, and it’s easy to see why Oscietra remains a luxury purchase.
Is Oscietra Caviar Good?
Yes – Oscietra caviar is widely considered one of the best types of caviar available. The pearls are medium-sized and range from golden brown to dark grey, with a delicately nutty, buttery flavour. The texture is firm yet tender, gently popping in the mouth and releasing layers of taste rather than a single salty hit.
Where is Oscietra Caviar From?
Traditionally, Oscietra caviar came from wild sturgeon in the Caspian Sea, especially from Russian and Iranian waters. Today, in order to protect wild stocks, most Oscietra is farmed in carefully managed aquaculture facilities across Europe, the Middle East and the UK. Producers like Exmoor raise their sturgeon in pristine Devon waters, offering a traceable, sustainable alternative to wild-caught caviar.
What is the Difference Between Oscietra and Beluga Caviar?
Beluga caviar comes from the Beluga sturgeon and is known for its large, soft pearls and rich, creamy flavour – it is usually the most expensive caviar of all. Oscietra caviar, by contrast, has slightly smaller, firmer pearls and a more complex, nutty profile. Many enthusiasts love Oscietra for everyday celebrations and reserve Beluga for the most lavish occasions.
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