The Humble Origins of Caviar: From Survival Food to Luxury

Caviar might look like a luxury status symbol today, but its origins are anything but glamorous. Thousands of years ago, Persian fishermen discovered sturgeon fish eggs while cleaning their catch. Initially unsure what to do with them, they salted and stored the eggs for survival during food shortages. These preserved eggs developed a sharp, briny taste and were believed to be a powerful energy source. The Persians called it "Khav Yar," meaning "strength of eggs," which slowly evolved into what we now know as caviar.

Over time, caviar transformed from a survival food into a royal obsession. Russian tsars elevated its image, serving it with silver spoons in grand palaces. Meanwhile, in 1800s America, caviar was once so common it was given away like peanuts in bars. But after overfishing sturgeon, supply dropped and Russia took control of its trade, turning caviar into a gourmet delicacy. From salty necessity to black gold on a silver platter, the journey of caviar is a sharp twist on what we call "luxury."

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