Finally, you have an option to enjoy the benefits of fish protein and Omega 3 fatty acids in a delicacy that can be tasty and is consumable, unlike the cod liver oil.

The fish eggs or caviar on hear seem to be one of the expensive dishes listed on the menu of a fine dining restaurant but no, there are types of fish eggs which all of you can afford, and they need not always be caviars.

On top of most of the sushi slices, you always find a cluster of teeny tiny gelatinous balls which are nothing but fish eggs. They have varied colors, shapes and sizes.

 

Types of Fish Eggs or Fish Roe

 

The various types of fish eggs are:

1) Tobiko

Tobiko is usually found in Sushis. They have a beautiful reddish-orange color to them. Their beautiful salted and smoky flavor with a subtle sweetness and robust crunchiness are much loved among people.

 

2) Masago

Masago roe is very similar to tobiko and is also famously called the smelt roe. The only difference between tobiko and Masago being the size of the eggs. Masago is a smaller variety in comparison to tobiko.

 

3) Ikura

These bright red-orange colored eggs are beautiful. Each egg is separate from the other and looks so beautiful like crystals. These eggs are from salmons.

 

4) Tarako

This fish roe is a native of Alaska Pollock. Their shape and taste make them unique. They are generally only salted and not like other spicy versions, and the Tarako eggs are usually shaped like a sausage.

 

5) Kazunoko

The eggs received from the herring are known as Kazunoko. Their color ranges from pale flesh like to a shade of pale yellow. This roe isn’t like salmon roe but, is a cohesive unit of eggs sticking together like a mass.

 

6) Sujiko

Sujiko is a variety of the salmon roe but, unlike other varieties, these eggs are still in their sack. This type of fish roe usually tastes sweeter than the other varieties of fish eggs.

 

7) Paddlefish Caviar

This variety of fish eggs is usually pocket-friendly. These are firm in texture and beautiful light grey. Their bold, buttery taste with a tang of the sea makes them a must-have.

 

8) Bowfin Caviar

This caviar is much appreciated for its delicate tanginess. The grains or eggs of this type are usually small and brownish black. They are often enjoyed thoroughly with sides such as lemon juice and crème Fraiche.

 

9) Whitefish Caviar

The eggs which are harvested from the beautiful golden Whitefish are called the whitefish Caviar. Their unique flavor of a tangy taste with mild hints of sweetness makes them a popular choice. This species of eggs primitively is from The Great Lakes.

 

10) Trout Caviar

The native of the inland lakes in France, this type of fish eggs is of the freshwater trouts. These are beautiful pink in color with dots in orange. They have yummy robust flavor and a strong, rigid texture to them.

 

11) Uni

This rare fish egg variety is the harvested roe of the Sea Urchins.

 

12) Black Lumpfish Caviar

A native to Scandia the lumpfish roe is usually purified to give them some shelf life. They are usually appreciated for their crunchiness which has a mild salty – fish taste to it.

 

13) Tuna Bottarga

The tuna eggs are also referred to as Botargo or Boutargue. Before being consumed these are first pressed then dried and finally soaked in salt. They are a delicacy favorite in the Mediterranean where it is generally used as a seasoning over other delicacies.

It has a much robust flavor and thus, just a pinch of it is enough to provide its taste in the whole delicacy. It is always advised to unpack this roe almost 3 hours before it is used in the dish.

 

14) Mentaiko

The Mentaiko fish eggs are usually spiced with red chili powder and are the Roe of Alaska Pollock. These varieties also come in a sacked structure. These eggs have a beautiful pinkish red color to them.

 

15) Tobiko

These bright colored fish eggs range from yellow to orange. They are available in various flavors too which further affect its color. Like:

The ones with a wasabi flavor are green, those who have a Squid ink flavor are usually black while the ones with the flavor of beetroot are red.

 

Health Benefits of Fish Eggs

 

1) The fish eggs are essentially rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids, which are important for the healthy functioning of your brain and are also excellent for the maintenance of your cardiovascular system. It also protects your body from inflammations which can further lead to severe illnesses.

2) These eggs also have a high content of vitamin B12 which further boosts your brain health and also helps in metabolizing food consumed to release energy.

3) Fish eggs are rich in vitamin D as well. Vitamin D is essential for absorption of calcium in your body.

 

Side Effects of Fish Eggs

 

1) First and foremost concern today globally is the ever-rising cholesterol levels, and these eggs are very rich in these. If fish eggs are regularly had, then it can increase your bad cholesterol levels.

2) Fish eggs also have high sodium content as they are often made to go through salt solution before being processed, and high sodium content can create high blood pressure related issues in your body.

3) Most of the fat content of fish eggs is all polyunsaturated fat which is harmful to your body.

 

Conclusion

There is no harm to consume this delicious delicacy in limited amounts. But, just like a coin the fish eggs also have a two-sided effect. They are healthy and contain essential omega three fatty acids in apt quantity for your body but, at the same time, their high content of harmful fat and cholesterol are a reason to worry about.

Thus, consumption of fish eggs in a limited quantity to enjoy their benefits and taste is not a bad idea at all. These beautiful eggs enhance the flavor of the sushi rolls and should be given a try at least once in your lifetime.