Beluga Caviar

Spicies:

Huso huso (Beluga sturgeon)

Originates from:

Caspian Sea region (Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan; also aquaculture in Europe/USA)

Key Characteristics:

Colour:

Steel-grey to silvery or dark grey; often glossy and pearlescent

Texture:

Silky, creamy, delicate — the softest among sturgeon caviars

Egg Size:

Largest roe among all caviars (up to 4 mm)

Source:

Harvested from wild or aquaculture-raised Huso huso

Flavour Profile:

Subtle, buttery, lightly nutty with minimal fishy aftertaste

Price Range:

~$5,000–$10,000+ per kg (Grade 1 Beluga often the most expensive globally)

Grades Available:

Grade 1: Largest, firmest eggs

Grade 2: Slightly smaller, softer eggs

Specialty grades: "Imperial", "Royal", "Classic" (producer dependent)

Best Pairing (Drinks):

Chilled vodka, brut Champagne, dry whites (e.g., Sancerre, Chablis)

Best Pairing (Foods):

Blinis with crème fraîche, toast points, soft-boiled eggs, lightly buttered pasta

Nutritional Breakdown (Per 100g Beluga Caviar):
  • Calories: ~264 kcal
  • Protein: ~25–28 g
  • Fat: ~18 g
  • Omega-3 (EPA + DHA): ~3–5 g
  • Saturated fat: ~4 g
  • Cholesterol: ~440 mg
  • Carbohydrates: ~1–2 g
  • Sodium: ~1500–1800 mg
  • Micronutrients:
  • Vitamin B12: Extremely rich (>200% RDA per 100g)
  • Choline: Important for acetylcholine synthesis
  • Selenium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc: High concentrations
  • Vitamin D & A: Present in moderate amounts

Cognitive-Performance Relevance (for Sport & Mental Endurance):

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

  • Enhance neuronal membrane fluidity, crucial for reaction time and cognitive flexibility
  • Reduce neuroinflammation and support mood regulation, especially under training stress
  • Shown to support working memory and executive function — valuable in precision-based sports

✅ Vitamin B12 + Choline

  • Synergistic support for neurotransmitter production (esp. acetylcholine for motor control, focus)
  • B12 also aids myelin sheath maintenance, potentially benefiting neuromuscular transmission

✅ High-Quality Protein

  • Rich in essential amino acids including arginine and lysine — supports neurotransmitter biosynthesis and neuroplasticity
  • Protein density may aid recovery in high-performance athletes while providing minimal carbohydrate load

✅ Micronutrients (Zinc, Selenium)

  • Crucial for cognitive clarity, antioxidant defense, and thyroid function (key for energy metabolism)

⚠️ Notes for Athletes:
  • Sodium content is high — may support electrolyte replenishment post-training, but should be moderated for hypertensive individuals
  • Cholesterol content is elevated — typically not problematic in healthy athletes but warrants monitoring
  • Cost and availability make it a luxury/specialty supplement, best used in high-stakes competition or recovery menus