for Virtues
Caviar made with sturgeon roe is rich in protein, healthy poly-unsaturated fats, and Omega-3 – all renowned for their use in fighting heart disease. Caviar is also quite good for the skin. A wide range of cosmetic brands use caviar oil for its ability to improve skin elasticity and smoothness, like bathing in the Fountain of Youth. Caviar is also full of vitamins; in particular, vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphates – both essential ingredients in cell renewal and bone growth. Lastly, the choline found in caviar means it is a natural ‘hangover cure-all’; a welcome side effect when dining on caviar and vodka.
Vodka is an alcoholic beverage made through the distillation of cereal grains with 40% alcohol content. In Russia, where it most likely originally comes from, it is paired with caviar. Between each mouthful of black gold, the vodka cleanses the palette, making the very next mouthful and burst of flavour all the more intense. Some, however, find that the drink numbs the mouth, thereby blocking out most of the caviar’s flavour. Whatever the case may be, an un-flavoured, white, grain vodka is recommended.
The Volga is the longest river in Europe and stretches 3,688km from the north to the south of Russia. The Volga catchment area (including all rivers that flow into it) covers more than a third of the country. Astrakhan, former caviar capital, is located on its banks.
Transporting caviar out of a country and taking a few tins on a plane is perfectly legal, on the proviso that no international regulations are being broken. An individual can safely transport up to 125g of caviar; any more than that falls into the ‘export’ category and must be declared through obtaining customs certificates and a CITES permit. Only caviar exporting companies can obtain certification. These strict measures have been implemented in an attempt to fight against smuggling and international trafficking. The better you know! Anyone who is caught with more than the allowed amount of caviar will have it confiscated by customs officials and destroyed. As for transporting caviar, only that which is bought in airport Duty-Free stores is allowed as carry-on luggage as it has already been verified by customs. Caviar bought in shops or on-line must be placed in checked luggage, or else it will be confiscated by security. Lastly, during transport, caviar must be kept in insulated packaging with ice packs t ensure that the cold chain remains unbroken as long as possible.