Caviar dish: features, types and choice
Caviar is an important serving element. It is designed to serve a luxurious delicacy that is very popular in Russia. Caviar of valuable fish is often placed on sandwiches, placing a plate with them in the center of the table. However, according to the rules of good taste, this is unacceptable. If you want to host a high-end festive feast, the product should only be served in a special container.
What it is?
A caviar dish is an item designed to serve caviar. Moreover, it is a sophisticated element that decorates the table. Some models have exclusive designs. There are even items handcrafted by talented craftsmen. They can rightfully be called works of art. The industrially made specimens also correspond to the status role of the fish delicacy.
Caviar dishes are made from various materials. Any customer can find an option that fits well with the serving. However, it should be borne in mind that there are no cheap plastic caviar dishes. For the manufacture of such utensils, sparkling crystal, silver, the finest porcelain, beautiful faience are usually used. In the distant past, caviar was served in containers of gold inlaid with precious stones.
The shape, size and design of modern products may vary.... These are laconic but graceful bowls, fantasy models in the form of fish, birds and even whole compositions illustrating scenes from fairy tales.
The dishes allow not only to decorate the caviar beautifully before serving. You can also store a delicacy in it. The product will not dry out, will not absorb foreign odors (provided that there is a lid).
Materials used
The assortment of caviar dishes offered by manufacturers is diverse.Relatively simple models are made of ceramics, durable glass, crystal, high quality stainless steel. More luxurious options are made from bronze, silver, precious stones. Materials are often combined.
Glass
Glass items are great for everyday use. They will look no less beautiful on the festive table. Such products are affordable, stylish, and easy to clean with conventional products. For the manufacture of caviar, they do not take simple glass, but use special crystal glass or thermal material. This allows you to get beautiful but durable products. For framing the outer part of the dishes, stone, steel, cupronickel, and silver are often used.
Crystal
Crystal products were very popular in Soviet times. Many people today associate exquisite crystal products with luxury. Modern models, cut with a diamond cut, create a unique play of light. Sometimes products are complemented with silver or gold foil.
Caviar dishes from various types of crystal (mountain, lead, barium, Bohemian) are on sale. They are all equally beautiful. The shapes of the products are varied. Especially harmoniously, such dishes fit into the table setting in retro style.
Silver
Silver items are classified as luxury items. It is believed that in addition to its beautiful appearance, this metal has medicinal properties. However, it takes time for the product in such a container to be saturated with valuable ions. If you put caviar in a silver container for half an hour, nothing happens. Nevertheless the fact that the material prevents the growth of bacteria is undeniable... This makes it possible to properly store the perishable delicacy.
Silver status items are handmade. Such items are not cheap, but they perfectly complement the luxurious table setting.
When choosing a caviar dish made of this metal, special attention should be paid to the quality of the product and the sample indicated on it. Usually shops offer utensils made of 875 silver. In the manufacture of items with enamel, material is taken from 916 samples. The finest models use the 960th test. The higher the sample number, the more silver is in the alloy.
Another option is silvering. Items are made of aluminum, stainless steel or cupronickel. From above they are covered with a layer of silverware. The price of such caviar is lower. At the same time, they will fade no less effectively than completely silver items. At first glance, the difference is almost invisible.
It is not difficult to find out if there is a silver dish or silver plated in front of you. For this, marking is provided. The manufacturer indicates data on the base material, as well as provides information on the thickness of the coating (in microns). Of course, a sample of the metal used for decoration must also be written.
The most hygienic caviar dishes are made of glass or crystal in silver. Moreover, they are very comfortable. The glass element is easy to remove and clean. In this case, the metal part is not exposed to water and detergents.
Another option is silver caviar dish, decorated using enamel technique. This is a complex painting that turns even an object of an uncomplicated form into a work of art. The painting is applied to the enamel covering the metal. These are flowers, patterns, whole plot pictures.
Such a serving element can be classified as elite and even collectible, because the prices for hand-painted products are very high. Manufacturers often give such products the names "royal", "princely", and this is not accidental. The dishes really look like a part of the table decoration of the ruling persons of the past centuries.
Undoubtedly, an exclusive product will become a worthy frame for an expensive delicacy. However, it should be understood that the rest of the dishes on the table should also be kept in a similar style. Among modern minimalistic serving items, such a thing will look strange.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a classic.It is sophisticated, practical and durable. Due to several firing cycles during the production process, the material can easily withstand any temperatures. The decorative glaze coating is neutral. It does not affect food, does not absorb odors.
Porcelain allows you to create both laconic products and curly masterpieces. Such dishes are either just white or with a pattern. Items with golden or silver elements look elegant. There are interesting options for the creation of which stable colored dyes are used.
A separate category should be allocated ceramic caviar dishes, painted using the Gzhel technique. The famous bright blue patterns on the snow-white surface still continue to conquer the hearts of connoisseurs of folk crafts. Many collect dishes and decor items made in this style. The blue and white caviar dish will be a worthy addition to the collection. It can harmoniously complement similar serving items or effectively stand out against the background of snow-white dishes.
Varieties
With ice container
Caviar is a product that spoils quickly. Room temperature affects him negatively. In this regard, in Europe, a great idea arose to serve the delicacy chilled, maintaining a constant temperature. This is especially true in the case of a product by weight. Its shelf life is only a few hours.
The chilled caviar dish is a two-piece item. The first is an ice container. The second is a bowl for caviar. The technology is very simple. A large container is filled with ice, and a small one - with caviar. When the ice cubes begin to melt, they are replaced. In this way, the required temperature is maintained. To prevent moisture evaporation, cover the dishes with a lid.
A cooling caviar dish is used both for serving delicacies to the table and for storing the product in the refrigerator. Some models allow the cooling section to be detached. What remains is an ordinary socket, which can be put on the table if there is not enough free space.
Knowing the principle, you can create similar conditions with the help of improvised means. To do this, you just need to place any container with caviar in a deeper salad bowl filled with ice. Of course, it will not look too pretty, but in the circle of close friends and family members this is quite acceptable.
Simple models
If caviar occupies a modest place on your table, you should not purchase luxurious dishes for this product. A miniature outlet will suffice. It can have a regular round or oval shape. You can also choose an original version (for example, a caviar dish made in the form of a leaf, a sea shell, etc.).
If the table is large and there are many guests, you can purchase several identical caviar dishes and distribute them over the entire area. So everyone will have easy access to a delicacy, and you can be proud of a harmoniously decorated feast.
With lid
The lid is needed so that the eggs do not dry out, dry out and do not absorb foreign odors. In the refrigerator, the delicacy is stored only in this way (if your caviar does not provide for the presence of this element, you should cover the product with a small plate or something else). The lid can be removed before serving.
If the caviar container is relatively flat, the manufacturer makes the lid high. In this case, the delicacy is put on a slide. If it is a deep bowl, the lid is usually compact. On some models, the covers are transparent. This allows you to monitor the condition of the product.
With a spoon
The caviar spoon is a useful addition. It is not customary to apply the product with an ordinary spoon. The device must have a special shape and length. It is such an element that some manufacturers attach to the caviar dish.
This set is very convenient. The spoon does not interfere at all. It is either placed in a special recess in the lid, or is attached to the container itself. In this case, the entire set is made in the same style.All elements are in harmony with each other, which looks stylish and expensive.
How to choose?
First of all, it is worth deciding on the size of the caviar. This parameter depends on your needs and appetites. If caviar on your table is rare and in small quantities, a small outlet will be enough for you. If you want to surprise your guests by offering them “to eat caviar with spoons”, you should purchase roomy dishes. remember, that according to the rules, the container must be completely filled.
Many people put the delicacy in the center of the table so that everyone can take the right amount. In this case, a spoon and cooling set is an excellent choice. You can also provide each guest with an individual portioned mini caviar dish. In this case, you should purchase several identical outlets of a small volume. They can be served full or placed empty next to each place so that the guest himself can fill the container at will.
As for the design, it can be anything. However, it should be remembered that the caviar dish should be combined with the rest of the serving items set on the table.
Silver items can be called universal. They are in harmony with any tableware (crystal, glass, porcelain). The gold-plated model is also a good choice. It can be a wonderful gift, because such things look elegant and status.
Another good option is caviar made of glass. Such dishes look elegant and are also suitable for everything. For example, inexpensive but original products of the Muza brand are popular.
An unusual design model can become a real table decoration. In shops you can find products in the shape of a fish (for example, a beluga or sturgeon), a whale, a swan, a shell, a mini-bucket or a barrel, etc. There are a lot of offers. For example, the Imperial Porcelain Factory offers a model in white and blue tones with an original lid.
Storage and care
Caviar dishes made of glass and ceramics do not require special attention. The crystal is washed exclusively in warm water and then wiped dry. In the presence of gilding, an aqueous solution of vinegar is used.
For silverware, clean it with a piece of flannel, suede, or other soft cloth. For decorative prophylactic cleaning (1-2 times a month) use a special solution, which can be bought at a jewelry store.
Another option is washing with ammonia. In this case, take a couple of drops of alcohol in a glass of water.
For an overview of the "Sturgeon" caviar dish with a spoon, see the next video.