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When you think of caviar, what is the first thought that comes to mind? Most people believe caviar signifies wealth and luxury. As Robin Leach says, "Champagne wishes, and caviar dreams." It is an expensive item, and will bring a sense of sophistication to any dinner party, however it is important to understand how to serve and store caviar before any gathering.

Caviar should be chilled before and during serving. When serving alone, it is best to keep the caviar in the packaged tin set in a bowl of crushed ice. When served as prepared appetizers, do not add seasonings, as the flavor for caviar is salty and should not take away from its own fabulous flavor. Caviar should never be served with silverware, because the metallic flavor can be absorbed into the caviar. Mother-of-pearl spoons are best to serve caviar, but if not available wood or enamel spoons work just as well.

Common bases for caviar are blinis which are a traditional Russian pancake, and toasted white bread triangles without crust. You can also used boiled potato slices, and cucumber topped with hard-boiled egg slices. When using caviar as an hors d' oeuvre, subtle flavors should be uses. Some experts argue on the use of creme fraiche, as the mixture can alter the taste of the caviar, but this is a matter of taste. Others believe that caviar makes an elegant melody with creme fraiche or other light cream additions. Caviar should never be matched with chips or sated crackers, as this hard texture is inappropriate for the delicate eggs. Capers and onions should never be uses with high quality eggs as they demean the flavor. However if using a lower quality caviar, capers and onions can be used to enhance the flavor.

Caviar can be served with champagne or a chilled vodka. some people do find the sweetness of the champagne too much for the saltiness of the caviar, but this again is a matter of personal taste. Beer drinkers should choose to use a lager or a crisp white beer. Avoid using any dark beers or ales as they will overwhelm the caviar taste.

When storing caviar, it is important to note that this delicacy is extremely perishable and must be handled with care. Store caviar in the coldest part of the refrigerator, towards the back is best. Unopened, the shelf life of caviar is still extremely short. Unpasteurized caviar can be stored unopened in a vacuum-sealed jar for up to four weeks. Sturgeon caviar should never be frozen, as this will damage the integrity of the eggs. Other caviar, like that of salmon, whitefish, or trout, can be frozen, but once defrosted should not be frozen again. Opened caviar should be again refrigerated in the same container, but should be consumed within three days.

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