Imperial Beluga caviar is the highest grade of Beluga caviar from the Huso huso sturgeon. It is selected from the lightest, largest, and most even eggs in the harvest, often known as 000 grade. Expect big silver-grey pearls, a creamy texture, and a long delicate finish.
This guide explains what Imperial Beluga is, how it is graded, how it tastes, how to serve it properly, and what to check before you buy it in Oman.
What is Imperial Beluga caviar
Beluga caviar comes from the Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso), a slow-growing fish with deep Caspian tradition. Because wild harvest is restricted, premium Beluga today is produced through controlled aquaculture and strict grading. The fish can take more than a decade to reach maturity, which makes top harvests limited and expensive.
Inside each harvest, eggs are sorted by colour, size, and firmness. The classic grading system uses 0, 00, and 000. The palest colour with the most even large grains and the best texture is the top grade, commonly sold as Imperial Beluga.
How Imperial Beluga is selected
Imperial is not a different species. It is a hand selection from the best part of the Beluga harvest. Producers typically look for:
- Light silver to light grey colour with a clean shine
- Large even grains, often around or above 3.2 mm
- Firm but thin shell with a soft pop
- Balanced taste without harsh salt, bitterness, or strong fishiness
Eggs that meet all these points are separated as Imperial or 000 grade. Darker or smaller grains, even if delicious, are usually packed as standard Beluga.
Taste and texture
Imperial Beluga is known for a gentle buttery profile, clean finish, and a very creamy mouthfeel. If you like soft texture and delicate flavour, it is usually the top choice. If you prefer stronger briny intensity, other caviar types may suit you better.
| Type | Egg size | Taste profile | Mouthfeel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Beluga | Very large, even pearls | Buttery, delicate, clean, long finish | Very creamy, melts easily |
| Standard Beluga | Medium to large grains | Richer, slightly stronger sea note | Creamy but a bit firmer |
| Ossetra or Sevruga | Medium or small grains | More nutty or more briny, stronger flavour | Firmer pop |
What malossol means
Malossol means “low salt.” It usually indicates careful curing that keeps the eggs clean and fresh, without heavy saltiness. Good malossol caviar tastes balanced, not sharp or aggressively salty.
How much caviar you need
- Tasting: 5 to 10 g per person
- Classic service: 15 to 20 g per person
- Luxury full service: 20 to 30 g per person
Example: for 6 guests at 15 g each, you need about 90 g total. Two tins can be better than one large tin because you can keep one sealed until you are ready.
How to serve Imperial Beluga
- Keep the tin cold and open it just before serving
- Rest the closed tin in the fridge for stable temperature
- Serve on a bowl of ice if the room is warm
- Use a non-metal spoon, pearl, plastic, wood, or bone
- Do not mix aggressively, keep the eggs intact
Best pairings
- Blini or toast points
- Crème fraîche
- Soft-boiled egg or chopped egg white
- Champagne or cold vodka
Storage and freshness
Before opening
- Store at 0 to 3°C in the coldest part of the fridge
- Keep the tin sealed and flat
- Avoid temperature changes, do not leave it on the counter
After opening
- Keep it refrigerated immediately
- Best quality is usually within 24 to 48 hours
- Do not freeze after opening
- Keep the surface clean and avoid introducing water or crumbs
How to know it is authentic
- Clear origin and producer details
- Proper labelling and traceability
- Fresh clean smell, not strong fishy odor
- Even eggs, not mushy, not broken
- Cold chain delivery and insulated packaging
Where to buy Imperial Beluga in Oman
If you are in Oman and you want Imperial Beluga with proper cold handling, you can order directly from Thamin Caviar. We store caviar under strict chilled conditions and deliver it in insulated packaging so it arrives ready to serve.
For pricing ranges in Oman and what affects the market price, you can also read: caviar price in Oman .
