Caviar is salt-cured fish roe. In common culinary use, the word usually refers to cured roe from sturgeon; roe from fish such as salmon or trout is generally named for the fish.

What does malossol mean?

Malossol is a Russian term meaning “little salt.” It describes a lightly salted curing style intended to preserve the roe while allowing its natural flavor and texture to remain clear.

Is all fish roe caviar?

All caviar is roe, but culinary language often distinguishes sturgeon caviar from other fish roe. Product labels and descriptions are the best guide to what is in a particular tin.

The Caviar Guy

What Is Caviar? A Beginner’s Guide to Roe, Sturgeon, and Malossol

Learn what caviar is, how sturgeon roe differs from other roe, and what malossol means before choosing your first tin.

Guidance from The Caviar Guy concierge team.