by HOCAFF Team | Oct 7, 2016 | General
What Makes Iberico Ham Such a Good Quality Meat?
The easy way to turn an ordinary brunch or family dinner into a memorable occasion is to bring Iberico Hamto the table. Although Iberico Ham is often used to complement other dishes, most Iberico ham aficionados suggest that it pairs well with fresh bread or toast, sherries and full bodied red wines. Iberico Ham is also specifically recognized as a culinary treasure or “jewel” in the Spanish culture.
What makes Iberico Ham such a good quality meat and set it apart from others such as Serrano ham are a unique combination of distinctive elements and a consistent flavor profile. To produce this world renown delicacy depends on strict criteria in breed selection, rearing, diet, curing and even cutting method.
Iberico Ham for sale must …
- Primarily be produced from pure black pigs indigenous to the west and southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The uniform black color and short hair distinguishes this breed from other species. While there are a select few of other approved varieties of pigs, such as the reddish Iberian pig with the distinctive black hoof, the purity of the black Iberian pig specifically meets the high standards for Iberico Ham.
- Enjoy a free breeding environment. This is a key element for consistency in muscle size and fat content. The difference between stable grown pigs and the free roaming Iberian breed is the fat content that accumulates outside the animal’s muscles. Free roaming therefore achieves sufficient muscle growth in the legs and a limited amount of fat veins within the muscle.
- Diet also makes a significant difference in the incomparable flavor and exquisite bouquet of Iberico Ham. From October to January these select pigs feed on acorns within the “dehesa” bucolic ecosystem. Dehesa describes a multifunctional private or communal grazing landscape of southern and central Spain and southern Portugal that provides a natural habitat for Iberian pigs. This environment is a rich forestry containing grassland and trees like oak and cork. As long as they stay within the “dehesa” their primary source of food will consist of wild acorns, plants and roots in this natural ecosystem. Attempts to breed Iberian pigs for ham in other regions that provide an alternate diet has proven to be unsuccessful in achieving the quality of traditional Iberico Ham.
- Iberico ham typically has less salt and goes through a long dry curing process. The hind legs of the Iberian Pig are salted and; based on the size of the animal, hung to dry for one to three years. This curing method has not evolved much over hundreds of years.
- In Spain, the method of cutting Iberico Ham is also a long standing tradition. In fact, a professional Iberico Ham cutter receives specialized training in the handling of the specific tools such as the Iberico-ham knife and ham holder that are employed in this process. These instruments support the slicing procedure by avoiding contact between the cutter’s hands and the delicate meat.
Iberico ham vs serrano ham
Right away, avid consumers of Iberico ham will argue that there are no other cured meats comparable to the distinctive, mouthwatering quality of Iberico Ham. Still, although the flavor of Iberico ham is unmatched, Serrano Ham is often used a means of judgment for quality.
Serrano Ham is a name given to a variety of ham that is produced from mostly white Iberian pigs. However, in some instances, the less appreciated front legs of the Iberian Black Pig are used to produce a high quality Serrano Ham. The subtle yet key variances include the characteristic V-form cut. Ultimately, texture, aroma and flavor makes the distinction between Iberico ham and Serrano ham.
As the most revered and coveted dry aged cured meat in the world Iberico de Bellota Boneless Ham has achieved international acclaim for multiple reasons including health benefits and its decadent flavor profile.
Get your gourmet meats such as Iberico de Bellota Boneless Ham , Whole Bone in Jamon Serrano in addition to Foie Gras, fresh or preserved truffles and other specialty foods at our online store. Also, follow House of Caviar and Fine foods on Facebook to explore the many ways to get recipes and ways to enjoy or incorporate these delicacies into your lifestyle.
by HOCAFF Team | Sep 28, 2016 | General
Changes in import laws, wide disparities in pricing and tiered selections add a layer of complexity to the caviar buying process. Even for seasoned caviar enthusiasts, the rules governing how to buy caviar may, at times, feel daunting. Regardless of budget, every consumer wants to be more savvy when shopping for this delicacy whether they shop In-store or buy caviar online.
Considering diversity of sources supplying caviar on the market today, a new caviar consumer may find the following tips on how to buy caviar helpful.
Top Tips on How to Buy Caviar
1.) Focus on quality versus cost. For those just ven
turing into this exquisite cuisine the advice on how to buy caviar is to start out by selecting caviar for quality rather than price. Even if you buy caviar online, it may be helpful the first time you shop to give the company a call for assistance with choosing from their best caviar brands that is still within your budget.
2.) Caviar is typically graded by the size and texture of the roe. The larger, firmer sturgeon eggs are usually costlier because of their texture, mild flavor and they are less abundant than other fish eggs. Ultimately, caviar quality is determined by the species and maturity of the fish, how it was raised and treated at time of harvesting. The texture of the caviar you choose should be buttery smooth and the eggs should pop between the tongue and the roof of the mouth. There should also be a hint of salt and a slightly nutty flavor. If the first time you taste caviar it is overly briny, fishy and mushy, you owe it to yourself to get a better quality caviar before deciding whether you like it or not.
3.) Keep in mind that beyond the overall quality of the eggs, personal taste will ultimately determine which caviar brand you decide is your favorite. Since there are subtle differences between brands such as the Golden Imperial Ossetra, and the Classic Russian Ossetra to name a few, it is a good idea to sample a variety of
4.) Buy and enjoy caviar more often. Despite the fact that caviar is a nutritionally dense cuisine, it has been pigeon-holed as a once a year or “special occasion” indulgence. A knowledgeable caviar shopper knows how to buy caviar in order to enjoy the benefits of this nourishing fare throughout the year. For example; by alternating with non-sturgeon roe such as the sweet nutty flavor of Wild Paddlefish which is comparable to the Caspian Sevruga or the budget friendly Bowfin Roe ; it is possible to make eating caviar more than just an occasional treat. caviars before you decide. For instance, the large sturgeon eggs of the Royal Imperial with its delicate nutty flavor closely mimics Beluga which is the most elusive and pricey caviar on the planet.
5.) When you buy caviar online, be sure it is from a reputable company such as House of Caviar and Fine Food or Caviar Lover. Each product should be marked with a reference code to the original Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permit number.
6.) Buy enough and only what you need. Each serving should provide an ample amount of caviar to roll on the tongue so that the texture and aroma can be fully appreciated. Figure between 8 to 10 serving per ounce and half to one ounce of caviar per person.
7.) When buying caviar remember that it is a highly perishable product. That means, you have a limited time (approximately six-weeks) to enjoy it after you receive it. Keep the caviar in the coldest part of the refrigerator (between 28 to 32 degrees F°) . Unopened caviar can last up to 3 month in the refrigerator. Don’t open the caviar tin or jar until you are ready to serve it. Leftover caviar should also be promptly refrigerated and be eaten within a day or two.
Once you become comfortable with how to buy caviar you can expand the number of times that you enjoy this decadent food and savor all the best caviar brands. House of Caviar and Fine Food offers top of the line products featuring traditional caviar from the Caspian Sea, Iran and Russia as well as the finest American sturgeon caviar, and other gourmet meats and gift baskets.
Learn more about the best ways to eat, serve or incorporate caviar into your lifestyle by following House of Caviar and Fine food online or on Facebook. Since all our caviar products meet the strictest importation and quality standards you can feel secure that you are getting the purest and freshest caviar and gourmet products when you visit our online store.
by HOCAFF Team | Sep 21, 2016 | General
Appreciation for service on a corporate level takes center stage during the holiday season. For many companies, the time to plan for holiday gift giving is at least ninety days prior to year’s end. Over the years, corporate gifting has become somewhat of an art form. As such, more conglomerates are recognizing the significance of corporate gift baskets that can be customized to create unique holiday gift baskets and provide a wonderful opportunity to say a tasteful thank you to their esteemed employees.
The best holiday gift baskets should meet the following criteria:
- Reflect the care and thought in choosing a gift that express gratitude to a deserving recipient.
- The corporate gift basket should imply cognizance of the employee’s taste and interest.
- Have the potential to introduce or realize a budding fascination or desire for luxury fare.
Corporate gift baskets with caviar, truffles and other gourmet treats will harken to or reignite an individual’s exquisite taste in these delicacies. During the holiday season, the decadent foods featured in the following unique holiday gift baskets can add elegance to any private or public holiday celebration.
To highlight a few corporate gift basket options that is available online at House of Caviar and Fine Foods take a look at the following:
Deluxe Imperial Caviar Gift Basket priced at under $400 includes just about everything a caviar enthusiast could want to add a touch of elegance to their holiday festivities such as…
- Royal Imperial Caviar 2 oz.
- Siberian Ossetra Caviar 2 oz.
- Golden Imperial Caviar 2 oz.
- Hackleback Caviar 2 oz.
- Crème Fraiche 8 oz.
- Mother of Pearl Spoon
- Traditional Blinis 30 pcs
Royal Collection Gift Basket priced at $315 includes…
- Royal Imperial Caviar 1 oz
- Golden Imperial Ossetra Caviar 1 oz
- Crème Fraiche
- Elegant Mother of Pearl Server
- 2 Mother of Pearl Spoons
- Traditional Blinis 16 pcs
- Mini Wild Hibiscus
- Caramel Filled Red Present 7 oz
Make an impression with our Classic Caviar Duo gift basket that is tastefully presented in a prestigious insulated package consisting of…
- Royal Siberian Ossetra Caviar 2 oz
- American Hackleback Sturgeon 2 oz
- Two Mother of Pearl Spoons
- Russian Style Blinis 36 count
- Three mini tubs of Crème Fraiche 1.25 oz
For those less interested in caviar but enjoys other luxury foods may find our Gourmet Cooks Gift Baskets interesting. This holiday gift basket features…
- Rougie Mousse of Duck Foie Gras 11.2 oz.
- Black Truffle Olive Oil
- Black Truffle Tartufata Sauce
- Black Truffle Cream .88 oz.
- Honey with Strawberry – 3.5 oz
- Honey with Hazelnut – 3.5 oz
- Honey with Lemon – 3.5 oz
- Shiitake Dried Mushroom package 2 oz.
- Porcini Dried Mushroom package 2 oz.
- French Blinis – 30 ct.
Visit House of Caviar and Fine Foods for more corporate holiday gift baskets that can be customized for your employee. All our holiday gift baskets are beautifully wrapped and can be shipped to the company or directly to the individual right at their door.
Buy Caviar online and follow House of Caviar and Fine foods on our Facebook page to explore the many ways to enjoy or incorporate caviar into your lifestyle. You can also purchase the freshest domestic or imported caviar and specialty foods such as black, white and summer truffles, foie gras and other caviar accessories from our caviar online store.
by HOCAFF Team | Sep 14, 2016 | General
Finding ways to eat caviar is not only fun but beneficial. According to nutritional data, caviar meets and even exceeds the “superfood” criteria. To begin with, it has the highest grade and most easily absorbed protein, plus caviar is loaded with phosphorus, folic acid, iodine and A, D, E and B12 vitamins among others. And since there are no empty calories, you get a nutritional power boost in every bite whether you know the best way to eat caviar or not.
Unfortunately, most people rarely receive the amazing benefits of this superfood, because it is usually reserved only for special occasions. However, one way to make this delicacy a regular part of your diet is by understanding and exploiting the range in variety, quality and cost of caviar that is available today. Plus, the ability to buy caviar online has also made this decadent fare much more accessible.
Exploring how to eat caviar however, is not only about price and nutritional value. Overtime, caviar enthusiasts gain a certain savoir-faire when it comes to finding innovative ways to eat caviar. So, if you are looking for a short cut to becoming a caviar aficionado, take a look at the following ways to eat caviar.
Top 10 Ways to Eat Caviar
1. One of the best ways to eat high quality caviar such as an Osetra or Kaluga is ungarnished. Of course, this way is probably best suited to consummate caviar connoisseurs with concerns about adulterating the delicate taste of this exquisite fare.
2. Couple caviar with foods that highlight the signature flavor offerings of the salty roe. Caviar served with fresh hand-made blinis and crème fraiche is a classic caviar pairing.
3. Amp up the indulgence quotient by combining caviar with another luxury food such as foie gras. According to avid gourmet diners who describe these delicacies as the “perfect match” this food combination one of the most highly favored ways to eat caviar.
4. If you are truly into decadence, you may enjoy caviar served on top of a thin disk of Italian White Chocolate.
5. One of the most exotic and nutritionally dense appetizers is caviar and oysters. It is such a crowd pleasure that it also rates as one of the best ways to eat caviar.
6. For a more natural pairing, cucumber topped with caviar is fresh and crisp. The neutral taste of cucumber is th
e perfect showcase for the flavor burst of any caviar.
7. No matter how you choose to enjoy caviar, avoid the use of metal utensils to preserve the essence of this delicacy. It is best served with a mother-of-pearl spoon to avoid tainting the integrity of the fish eggs. Look for mother-of-pearl accessories when you buy caviar online.
8. Always serve caviar at its peak of freshness. Caviar should be cooled for at 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Any remainder should be refrigerated and consumed within three to five days. Caviar is a highly perishable product that requires storage at the appropriate temperature (between 25 and 29 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent rapid spoilage.
9. Although more a matter of personal taste than a gastronomic ethic, Vodka and Champagne are the most popular beverages that accompany a meal with caviar. In fact, it is a Russian tradition to pair vodka with caviar and to do otherwise is considered by Russian caviar aficionado to be a culinary abuse of this delicacy.
10. Caviar is known for its distinctive flavor and high price. Therefore, as a guest at an elegant affair or in someone’s home, it is not only polite but good etiquette to eat caviar in small portions.
Whether you eat caviar off the back of your hand, on a Russian Blini or with smoked salmon, caviar has the power to delight the palate as well as to provide innumerable health benefits.
Learn more about the best ways to eat, serve or incorporate caviar into your lifestyle by following House of Caviar and Fine foods online or on Facebook. You can also get the purest and freshest caviar, other specialty foods and accessories when you buy caviar from our online store.
by HOCAFF Team | Sep 8, 2016 | General
If you are looking for a truly decadent meal on a warm summer evening, pair the best wine with caviar or a great bottle of champagne. Whether you are at home or in a fine restaurant, the perfect wine pairing with caviar or champagne could plummet you into exquisite sensory overload. Remember in order to achieve the most delectable caviar pairings these gourmet indulgences must complement rather than contrast.
While it is true that ideal caviar pairings can be uniquely personal, an unqualified union may interrupt an otherwise delightful epicurean experience. For this reason, we at House of Caviar and Fine Foods have pooled, what some ardent gourmet enthusiasts describe as the best caviar, wine and champagne pairings.
Best Wine with Caviar
- Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp white wine that complements the nutty flavor of the California Royal White Sturgeon Caviar. Based on the ripeness of the grapes used during vinification, this wine may have either a mild herbaceous or zesty lemon flavor that imperceptibly offset the salinity of the Royal White Sturgeon. This wine and caviar pairing enhances the provocative taste of the large firm roe of the white sturgeon which compares to the priciest Osetra.
- Blanc de Noir is a sparkling white wine that enjoys a reputation as one of the best wine with caviar pairings. It teams up particularly well with our Russian Osetra, the classic Siberian Osetra and Imperial Osetra selections. Made from deep red or black grapes, the aromas and long, complex finish of a Blanc de Noir is the perfect accompaniment to a more flavor dense caviar. The buttery taste of the Osetra roe is considered among the most appetizing by avid caviar consumers.
- Pinot Grigio is an Italian wine that is distinctly light-bodied and vibrant. It is a perfect duo with the large lustrous pearls of the Classic White Sturgeon, Hackleback and even Wild Paddlefish caviar. And, while the Pino Gris is of the same variety and the Pinot Noir is a variant-clone of the Pinot Grigio they are less desirable wines to pair with caviar. Their more viscous texture and robust body tend to smother the subtle flavor of this delicacy. Even so, since caviar is often combined with other complex ingredients such as raw onions, eggs, oysters and salmon, it does on occasion, enables these more full-bodies wines to be invited to the caviar party.
Champagne and Caviar
Absolutely nothing pairs better with caviar than champagne. A bite of caviar followed by a sip of the driest champagne and a few seconds of intermingling often result in an unmatched flavor burst. The best way to enjoy caviar is in its purest form with one of the following champagnes.
- Dom Perignon is the ultimate splurge and most frequently selected for champagne and caviar pairings. A flute of this crisp clean champagne presented with a dollop of Kaluga Caviar or other high quality caviar preserves the texture and heightens the taste experience of those exquisite gems.
- Krug Champagne is another favorite among caviar connoisseurs. The understated bouquet of vintage Krug transforms the Juicy brown pearls of any Ossetra Caviar into creamy magic on the tongue.
- Taittinger can accompany both domestic and imported caviar from every price range. This makes it a great caviar pairing champagne. The explosion of bubbles and pop of the decadent eggs creates harmony delicious between the subtleties of the caviar and the delicate buoyancy of this champagne.
In addition to the palate pleasing experience, caviar is a highly nutritious food. As such, splurging on caviar wine and champagne should be a regular enjoyment of life rather than relegated only to special occasions.
Follow House of Caviar and Fine foods online or on Facebook to explore the many ways you can enjoy or incorporate caviar into your lifestyle. You can also purchase the freshest caviar and other specialty foods such as black, white and summer truffles, foie gras and caviar accessories and much more from our online store.
by HOCAFF Team | Sep 8, 2016 | General
The history of caviar tend to lead us to exotic places like the Caspian or Black sea. However, American waters had been teaming with this untapped treasure long before the abundance of sturgeons caught the eye of Henry Schact. Schact is a German immigrant whose name is inextricably linked to caviar because of his pioneering work in establishing the American caviar industry.
Caviar is a captivating subject because of the complexities and simplicities of its past present and future. Unlike the caviar of Europe, the American beginnings of this fragile fare evolved in a round-about sort of fashion. For instance, American Caviar was not always considered the best caviar or a rarefied treat that belonged only on the tables of the wealthy. In fact, the American Caviar story began rather unromantically as part of the diet for Native Americans in the Northeast. That is until Schact found a more lucrative use for the giant sturgeons teaming in the rivers of his new country.
Once Schact recognized the potential at his disposal, the American history of caviar had begun. The industrious and enterprising skills of this man lent themselves well to the rapid development and growth of the caviar industry. Despite the fact that it may not have been considered to be the best caviar, due to the preservation and shipping methods available at the time, before long the United States was producing 90% of the world’s caviar. Schact exported caviar in barrels all over Europe for a dollar a pound. At one point in the American history of caviar, the surplus of this delicacy became part of the nation’s drinking salon marketing strategy. Huge bowls of heavily salted sturgeon roe was placed on bar counters; free for the taking. The saltiness of the caviar made drinkers thirsty which in turn increased liquor revenue.
Overfishing eventually caused the American caviar industry to suffer the same fate as its European counterpart. With the sturgeon population dwindling rapidly, the value of the ethereal pearls increased. As the supply and demand ratio changed, various environmental programs were initiated to sustain the sturgeon population while improving harvesting and preservation methods. And so, fish farms began to pop up near sturgeon habitats.
By 1906 another innovator, Harry Dalbow, introduced the idea of canning caviar. Canning allowed for progress in preservation techniques and longer shelf life. Incidentally, the idea of putting the best caviar in small glass jars was also birthed in the American Caviar industry. Before long, caviar began to claim its status as a luxury food in the United States. Not surprisingly, the pricier caviar became the smaller the portions. This was due to the fact that opening a can of caviar further decreased the shelf life of this delicacy. Eventually, American caviar that was once pushed on drinkers, sold by the barrel or for pennies in American restaurants was now being treated as priceless gems.
Today, the history of caviar from its American beginnings have come full circle. The quality of caviar in the United States rivals that of the best caviar from the Caspian Sea and Black Sea.
Buy Caviar online and follow House of Caviar and Fine foods on our Facebook page to explore the many ways you can enjoy or incorporate caviar into your lifestyle. You can also purchase the freshest domestic or imported caviar and other specialty foods such as black, white and summer truffles, foie gras and accessories from our caviar online store.
