Chum salmon or coho salmon caviar - which red caviar is better? What is the difference?

The caviar of many salmon species is very important, both in haute cuisine and for ordinary housewives when preparing ordinary dishes. At the same time, there are many-sided differences between the eggs of similar fish species.

Caviar differs in size, shape, and color. Plus, caviar differs in taste, presence of nutrients, and fat content. As a rule, caviar contains a whole bunch of vitamins, such as A, C, B, E, D, as well as an equally large bunch of microelements, such as phosphorus, iodine, iron, calcium, potassium, chlorine, molybdenum, lecithin and protein.

The most important point is the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in caviar, since their presence has a unique effect on the human body, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, taking part in the renewal of nerve cells, protecting the body from cardiovascular abnormalities, normalizing metabolic processes, and also reducing sugar levels in blood. Therefore, we can safely assume that the caviar of fish such as chum salmon and coho salmon should be present in the diet of any person.

What are the differences between chum salmon and coho salmon caviar?

Coho salmon lay up to 7 thousand eggs in one go. Caviar is small in size, but its nutritional value is considered the highest among culinary specialists. The diameter of the eggs is no more than 4 mm, and the taste has a peculiar bitterness. At the same time, the caviar has a bright, rich red color, in contrast to the caviar of other salmon species, the color of which ranges from faint scarlet to red-crimson.

Chum salmon caviar is somewhat larger in size (5-9 mm) compared to coho salmon caviar. At the same time, the eggs have the shape of balls of regular geometry with a clearly defined red dot in the center of each egg. The color of the eggs is characterized as orange-amber, and there is no bitterness in the taste.

Difference between flavors

Naturally, there is a difference, but the preference of one caviar over another depends on the personal taste preferences of the consumer.

Coho salmon caviar may be characterized by uneven coloring and the presence of bitterness. Despite this, coho salmon caviar is considered quite tasty and healthy.

Chum salmon caviar is characterized by the presence of a pronounced taste. Despite this, it is not particularly popular among the population due to the hard shell surrounding each egg.

Properties of caviar

Coho salmon caviar is much more nutritious than the caviar of other salmon species, but its industrial value is not as high as compared to Chinook salmon or pink salmon caviar.

Chum salmon caviar has a slightly higher protein content, which is easily absorbed by the human body.

Many experts, as well as nutritionists, recommend regularly consuming caviar of various types of fish, at least 6-8 times a month.

Calorie content of caviar

100 grams of chum salmon caviar contains more than 300 kcal, and coho salmon caviar – 150 kcal. This indicates that chum salmon caviar has more calories. Coho salmon caviar contains from 6,1 to 9,5% fat. In this regard, we can safely assume that coho salmon caviar is more suitable for dietary nutrition.

Harm and benefits of caviar

The presence of many useful substances in the caviar of salmon species helps to rejuvenate the body, helps to cope with male impotence, feel a surge of vital energy, and strengthen the immune system. The presence of iodine in caviar helps combat poor functioning of the internal secretion organs.

Despite the many positive effects of consuming red caviar, it is better to limit its use to people who have undergone surgery, for people suffering from rickets, and also in conditions where the human body is very weakened. Coho salmon caviar is not recommended for pregnant women, people suffering from poor functioning of the digestive system, or in cases of liver dysfunction.

Cost – is it worth paying more?

Due to the fact that most salmon species, including coho salmon, are caught at a high rate due to their nutritional value, the cost of caviar from these fish is quite high. Chum salmon caviar is in somewhat greater demand in restaurant chains, as well as in other areas of catering. In general, the cost of chum salmon and coho salmon caviar is practically the same on the market and is about 300 rubles per 130 grams.

How to choose red caviar

When choosing this delicious product, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

1. It is better to choose a product packaged in glass containers, but not in cans, since there is no way to determine the quality of the product without breaking the packaging.
2. A high-quality product is represented by the presence of grains of the correct geometric shape that do not stick to each other.
3. If the color of the eggs corresponds to a red-crimson hue, not counting Chinook salmon caviar, then this indicates a fake.
4. Caviar packaged in cans may be a product containing an increased amount of liquid, with grains of irregular shape, and also with the presence of preservatives.
5. The shelf life of the packaged product is no more than six months, which must be indicated on the label.
6. Caviar can correspond to the first grade, when the salt concentration is no more than 6%, as well as the second grade, with a salt concentration of up to 8%. First grade caviar must have whole eggs, without the presence of blood and without the presence of parts of the egg, as indicated in the technical specifications.

In addition, each variety has special requirements for the aroma, which must be attractive and not contain any other odors, as well as for the homogeneity of the product.

And yet, which caviar is better?

Considering the taste characteristics, we should pay tribute to chum salmon caviar, which is easily explained by the presence of larger caviar (relatively) and the lack of bitterness, which allows you to prepare delicious gourmet dishes. The caviar of pink salmon and sockeye salmon is considered no less valuable, despite the fact that their caviar is characterized as small or medium in size. At the same time, pink salmon caviar has a rich orange hue, and sockeye salmon caviar has a rich red color.

Caviar, both chum salmon and coho salmon, has a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person, since it contains a sufficient amount of both a variety of vitamins and microelements. At the same time, the caviar of both fish is used to prepare interesting, tasty and healthy dishes. Caviar has always been considered a delicacy and today it has not lost this status. The only thing that worries humanity now is that red caviar may soon become a great rarity, inaccessible to the general population.