American Caviars
Once the Major Supplier to Europe
Many varieties of caviar come from Iran and Russia. However, American caviar is a treat that is just as tasty, but more affordable. During the early 1900s, the United States was one of the major caviar suppliers in the world.
Varieties of American caviar include paddlefish, sturgeon, salmon, trout, and whitefish. Although, fish roe from salmon, trout, pike, flying fish and whitefish aren't technically considered caviar, you'll notice that these varieties are often identified by their names, such as trout caviar and salmon caviar. You may also notice that different varieties have different colors. These colors can range anywhere from a light gray to a dark steel color.
For Americans, a typical seafood diet doesn't usually contain caviar. Although, that doesn't mean that caviar isn't popular. In fact, many gourmet lovers can't get enough of the stuff.
Iran and Russia are typically known as being caviar's major producers, especially among the brands sold in the United States. However, their brands are very expensive. American caviars are less expensive, and offer varieties whose taste rivals that of the Caspian caviar. Those most popular among the American brands are: white sturgeon, which is tastes almost like osetra caviar; shovelnose or hackleback sturgeon, which is black and have a sweet, almost nutty, flavor; paddlefish, which can be various shades of gray; salmon, which is orange; trout, which are small and orange; and whitefish, which is has an apricot color and a mild taste.