At caviar.nu, we take immense pride in offering our customers the finest selection of caviar, sourced from some of the most respected caviar experts in the world. Understanding the origin and traceability of our caviar is crucial for ensuring quality and sustainability. Here, we delve into where our caviar is farmed and how you can trace its journey from the farm to your table.
Our Caviar Sourcing
Our entire caviar collection is sourced from highly experienced Iranian caviar experts with a rich history in the industry. These experts have established sturgeon farms in both Iran and China, ensuring that each tin of caviar meets the highest standards of taste and tradition.
Beluga Caviar: The Jewel of Our Collection
Our Beluga caviar and the Almas Beluga Caviar, are exclusively sourced from farms in Iran. These caviars are the core product of our brand, and we are dedicated to introducing our customers to the authentic tradition, quality, and taste of Iranian caviar. The sturgeon used for these exquisite caviars are farmed in pools filled with clean water sourced from the Caspian Sea, preserving the traditional taste of wild caviar.
Baerii, Oscietra, and Imperial Gold Caviar: A Chinese Legacy
The remaining types of caviar in our collection, including Baerii, Oscietra, and Imperial Gold, are farmed in rivers and lakes in China. The decision to farm in these areas was made after careful consideration. The lakes selected for sturgeon farming are located in pristine areas with a climate similar to the southern part of the Caspian Sea, maintaining a stable temperature throughout the year. This environment allows the sturgeon to swim freely in conditions akin to their natural habitat, which has enabled us to maintain and even enhance the quality and taste of the caviar.
Why China?
China is currently one of the largest producers of caviar in the world. By establishing new farms in this region, we have been able to employ advanced farming techniques while maintaining the traditional hand preparation methods exclusive to our Iranian caviar experts. This blend of modern technology and age-old tradition ensures that our caviar retains its exceptional quality.
Traceability and CITES Compliance
Traceability is a key aspect of our commitment to quality and sustainability. We adhere strictly to regulations set forth by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), an international agreement that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
CITES and Sturgeon Conservation
The sturgeon, a species that dates back to the age of the dinosaurs, has survived relatively unchanged until modern times. However, human activities, including river engineering and the demand for their valuable eggs, have pushed sturgeon populations to the brink of extinction. In response, CITES placed all sturgeon species worldwide under the protection of the Washington Species Agreement in 1998 to prevent their full extinction.
Today, caviar from non-breeding stock is entirely illegal. The route of goods for caviar is meticulously documented, meaning every tin can be traced back to its country of origin. This enables us to distinguish between legal and illegal goods, ensuring that our caviar comes from sustainable and ethical sources.
Understanding the CITES Identification Code
Since 2006, all caviar tins must bear an identification code that complies with EU Regulation 865/2006 and the CITES Directives. This code cannot be removed without causing damage, confirming that the caviar originates from legal breeding facilities.
Decoding the CITES Label
When purchasing caviar, it is important to understand the label with the identification code on the back of the packaging. This code provides valuable information about the caviar, including:
- Sturgeon Type: The first three letters identify the sturgeon species (e.g., BAE for Baerii and HUS for Huso Huso).
- Breeding Method: The fourth letter indicates the breeding method, where “C” stands for Captive/farmed.
- Country of Origin: The fifth and sixth letters denote the country of origin (e.g., IR for Iran and CN for China).
- Production Year: The year indicated in the code shows the production year of the roe.
- Facility Identifier: This part of the code identifies the facility responsible for importing the caviar into the EU.
- Batch Number: The final part of the code is the batch number, which allows for complete traceability back to the source sturgeon.
Assurance of Quality and Authenticity
Each batch of caviar we sell has been verified, tested, and confirmed before production begins. When you purchase caviar from us, you can trust in the system and processes that have rigorously controlled and confirmed the product from the farm to the end customer.
Conclusion
Understanding where your caviar comes from and how it is traced back to its origin is essential for appreciating its quality and authenticity. At caviar.nu, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the finest caviar while ensuring the sustainability and conservation of the sturgeon species. We invite you to explore our selection and enjoy the rich flavors and tradition of our carefully sourced caviar.
If you have any questions or need further assistance in selecting the perfect caviar, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you make informed and confident choices.