In 1952, in the Saratov region, professors Nikolyukin N.I. and Timofeeva N.A. in the Teplovsky fish hatchery, by artificial crossing of a female Beluga (Huso Huso) and a male Sterlet (Acipenser Ruthenus), a new species of sturgeon was obtained – Bester. The name of the new species of sturgeon was invented by Professor Nikolai Ivanovich Nikolyukin himself, the name Bester was given from the merger of the names of the parents’ fish: BE “luga” STER “let”.
Bester is a very favorable hybrid of sturgeons for breeding in fish farms, as this fish combines the early maturation of Sterlet and the rapid growth of Beluga, easily gets used to artificial feed and is not very picky about the temperature regimes of water. Bester feeds on insects and their larvae, crustaceans and small fish. It grows up to 2 meters long and gains weight up to 30 kg. Sexual maturation of males comes at 3-4 years, and females at the age of 6-8 years. Bester females with a mass of 12-18 kg give eggs of 2-3 kg.
Caviar is characterized by a silvery gray to anthracite color with a great taste that offers luxuriously complex, refined and delicate aromas followed by rich, buttery, nutty and creamy “notes” with an incredibly refined and long finish. The size of the eggs is quite large and reaches from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm in diameter.
Bester caviar is perfect for vintage white dry and champagne wines, as well as for high-quality ice vodka.
Most of the chefs of the world’s best restaurants choose Bester caviar for preparing their gourmet dishes, since the taste of Bester caviar is closer to the taste of Beluga caviar, and at a price several times cheaper than Beluga caviar. Also, the grain of Bester’s caviar is quite strong and elastic, which gives the chef the opportunity to implement his ideas to decorate dishes with caviar and create unique culinary masterpieces.
The magnificent caviar of Bester or as it is popularly called “Beluga hybrid” will appeal to even the most sophisticated lover of black caviar.
Our London Caviar House company offers you high-quality Bester caviar produced at the Aquatir sturgeon complex. Bester caviar grown in our complex is a natural, high-quality delicacy without the addition of preservatives and antibiotics, which undergoes strict laboratory, veterinary and sanitary control at every stage from production and packaging to transportation and delivery to the tables of our beloved customers.
