A lot of people associate caviar and fish roe with high prices and luxurious meals. However, the truth is that there is a wide variety of products in these categories. Some types of roe have become very affordable in recent years. This makes them an excellent option for cafes and restaurants that wish to include different roe and caviar recipes. Furthermore, cooking enthusiasts and foodies can also experiment with different types of roe when preparing delicious seafood dishes at home. If you’re interested in reading more about the varieties of fish roe, you might also want to check out our posts on what is caviar and the popular types of caviar available.
Key takeaway: Salmon roe is the most used variety of roe on the market. Other popular types of roe include sturgeon (caviar), trout, flying fish, and capelin roe.
Main Types of Roe
There are multiple different types of fish roe available on the market. Caviar is probably the most popular one but it’s certainly not the most consumed variety. The popularity of fish roe combined with the multiple health benefits of eating seafood are the main reasons why there are many new roe and caviar businesses on the market. From sturgeon aquafarms to distributors of caviar wholesale, starting a business in the field of caviar and roe can be a profitable business. However, not all types of fish roe have good profit margins or an expanding market. Let’s examine some of the main varieties of roe.
Caviar
It’s only natural that our list starts with caviar. It is one of the most expensive products in the seafood industry. Caviar is the most popular type of fish roe on the market. It’s made of salt-cured roe of certain sturgeon species. There are multiple varieties of caviar. The most popular ones are Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga caviar. Due to overfishing, the population of most sturgeon fish has plummeted in recent years. Some types of caviar are illegal to import in the US.
Salmon
The large size of the eggs and the vibrant orange color of this fish roe make it a very popular product for appetizers and main dishes. Catering businesses primarily use salmon roe for their hors d'oeuvres. It’s a very affordable alternative to caviar. In fact, some brands market salon roe as a non-sturgeon caviar. Salmon roe can be consumed on its own, used as part of the plating and dish decoration, or be an important ingredient in the dish.
Trout
There are various trout species in the waters surrounding North America and Europe. Thus, there are different varieties of trout roe on the roe and caviar market. Although it's similar to salmon roe, its eggs are smaller in size and can vary in color. They may range from brightly yellow eggs to dark orange ones.
Capelin (Masago)
Capelin is a small fish that is found in the cold waters around Alaska. Due to its small size, the eggs of this fish are very small as well. Unlike other types of roe, capelin fish eggs have a crunchy texture. Their flavor combines sweetness and brininess. The most common application of capelin fish roe is in sushi. The ingredient is commonly referred to as “masago” which in Japanese means “fish eggs”.
Flying Fish (Tobiko)
Many seafood restaurants and other food service establishments prefer to use flying fish roe instead of capelin roe. Although it’s a more expensive variety, tobiko has a more pronounced flavor. Furthermore, flying fish roe comes in a variety of colors – red, orange, green, and even black. Keep in mind that most of the time these colors are added during the processing of fish eggs.
Paddlefish
This is also one of the expensive types of roe. It comes from paddlefish found in American rivers. It’s very similar to caviar in terms of color and characteristics. That’s why restaurant managers and chefs often use it as an alternative to traditional sturgeon caviar. Paddlefish roe is often marketed as “American caviar”. Its black color makes dishes made with Paddlefish roe more luxurious.
Cod
Although it is not very popular in the US, cod roe is widely used in Asian, Scandinavian, and Mediterranean cuisines. It’s unlikely to find dishes with cod roe in Michelin-starred restaurants but it can be found in ethnic establishments such as Greek restaurants. Cod roe is the main ingredient in the Greek spread taramasalata.
Sea Urchin
In recent years, seafood distributors have increased their eCommerce catalogs with a variety of delicacies such as squid ink and seaweed. Sea urchin roe is another example of such a product. Although its niche market is fairly small, business owners benefit from the foodie culture and the desire of customers to experience new flavors. That’s why sea urchin roe can also be seen as an ingredient in restaurant dishes.
Vegan Roe Alternatives
Specialty food distributors aim to offer a variety of vegan roe options. Sales of plant-based milk and vegan meat alternatives have increased in recent years and this trend can also be seen in the fish roe industry. Vegan roe alternatives include seaweed-based roe, tapioca pearls, and chia-based products. There are also vegan gel products that mimic traditional fish roe both in flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Different Types of Roe
Whether you want to know how to operate a successful restaurant business or what are the similarities and differences between roe vs caviar, you can find useful resources on our website. Below we’ve answered some of the common questions regarding the popular types of roe.
What Are the Cheapest Types of Roe?
Most types of fish roe are fairly affordable. The different varieties of caviar are expensive but products such as trout or salmon roe are much cheaper. That’s why almost all types of red fish roe are affordable and it is hard to say which is the cheapest type of roe. The price of these products depends a lot on factors such as transportation costs, storage, and whether or not the sector had a good roe harvesting season.
What Are Some Popular Recipes with Roe?
Fish roe is primarily used for appetizers. That’s why some of the most popular recipes with roe are in this category. Here are a few delicious starters you can prepare with roe:
- Sushi;
- Blinis with roe;
- Roe tarts;
- Cucumber bites with roe;
- Toasted baguette slices with cream cheese and roe.
Roe can also be used to enhance the flavor of seasonal seafood dishes. For example, it can be used in pasta recipes or salads. Roe can also be combined with other seafood delicacies such as scallops or oysters.
How Do Food Service Businesses Use Different Types of Roe?
The increased popularity of fish roe is the reason why a growing number of restaurants use this ingredient in their menus. Not only can it enhance the flavor of dishes, but roe can also be used to help a restaurant’s marketing. As roe and caviar are associated with luxurious dishes, they can be included in social media posts or other content. Businesses in the restaurant industry can also organize special events where starters with roe and caviar are served. The scarcity of caviar makes it possible for food service establishments to have higher profit margins on menu items with this ingredient.
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