On July 18, National Caviar Day recognizes a seafood delicacy with roe on toast. The day also raises awareness about the survival of the sturgeon.

In simple terms, caviar is Sturgeon fish eggs. There are several species of Sturgeon fish.  As a result, the caviar produced varies in colors depending on the species. Caviar is full of protein and vitamins making the delicacy a healthy meal.  

The United States led distribution at 600 tons per year until around 1900. However, due to the over-harvesting of Sturgeon fish for the caviar, the U.S. banned harvesting for a time to protect the sturgeon fish from becoming extinct. The population has never recovered sufficiently since the ban, resulting in caviar’s continued status as a luxury item. Since then, harvesting, import, and export are restricted. 

However, since sturgeon don’t reach maturity until they are between 6-25 years old, depending on the breed, establishing a farm takes time. Once they reach maturity, aquaculture needed to perfect methods for spawning. According to the North American Sturgeon and Paddlefish Society, by 2012 there were 21 sturgeon farms in the U.S. and Canada.

The day serves both as an awareness of the food source and a celebration of a delicacy.

Explore More…

• National Seafood Month
• National Fried Scallops Day
• National Shrimp Day
• National Baked Scallops Day
• National Crawfish Day
• Clams on the Half Shell Day
• National Shrimp Scampi Day
• Oysters Rockefeller Day
• French Fried Shrimp Day
• National Lobster Day
• National Go Fishing Day
• National Catfish Day
• National Caviar Day
• National Oyster Day
• National Seafood Bisque Day
• National Crab Meat Day
• Lobster Newburgh Day
• Deep Fried Clams Day
• Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
• National Sardines Day
• National Clam Chowder Day
• Spanish Paella Day
• National Catfish Month
• Creamy Shrimp with Asparagus
• Spinach Artichoke Crusted Salmon
• Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Salad
• New England Style Clam Chowder

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaviarDay

Learn more about the ancient sturgeon and the many species. While you’re exploring the vast history of the amazing fish, enjoy some fair trade caviar and post on social media using #NationalCaviarDay.