Many people are unfamiliar with the term "bottarga," yet this unusual ingredient may be found in a variety of Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, and Greek dishes. Bottarga (sometimes spelled "bortago") is the salted and dried egg sack (roe) of either tuna or grey mullet and is often called "poor man's caviar." Due to its significantly salty "bite," this culinary delicacy is sometimes characterized as having a flavor comparable to dried anchovies, but it also has a pleasantly smooth and velvety texture.
Bottarga is typically grated or crumbled over various pasta dishes, vegetables, eggs, salads, and other meals to provide a great rustic accent. Still, it may also be sliced into thin wedges and served as a standalone appetizer, like how Italian truffles are used. While Bottarga is not as costly as caviar, it is nevertheless a highly sought-after delicacy that has acquired a reputation as a gourmet treat for the world's most discriminating palates. But first, let's clarify what Bottarga is.
Bottarga's production technique is as fascinating as the flavor of the item itself. As per a centuries-old Mediterranean custom, the egg sack is painstakingly removed by hand from the tuna or grey mullet, then cleaned and massaged until all air pockets are gone. After that, the egg pouch is salted and squeezed into its distinctive oblong form, then air-dried for many weeks until it becomes a thick, amber-colored tablet. To extend the shelf life of the Bottarga, it is cut into elongated strips and dipped in beeswax.
THE HISTORY OF BOTTARGA
Amazingly, the salting technique and curing grey mullet roe extend back to antiquity, with historical records indicating that the Phoenicians and Egyptians both appreciated this delicacy. Numerous ancient Egyptian paintings show fisherman extracting, washing, salting, and drying Bottarga in the same way it is today. Furthermore, the Greeks and Romans embraced Bottarga into their culinary culture and saw it as a valuable commodity for commerce and gift-giving. Although Bottarga is now associated with the Mediterranean, it is said to have originated with the Arabs, who are credited with bringing "battarik" to the region. (Raw fish eggs in Arabic) to the region. While Bottarga may be found throughout the Mediterranean, Sicily and Sardinia are the most prominent locations of producing (and consumption). Bottarga di Tonno (tuna bottarga) is predominantly manufactured in Sicily, whereas Sardinia has some of the most excellent Bottarga di Muggine (grey mullet bottarga) globally.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTTARGA AND CAVIAR?
So, what is the difference between Bottarga and caviar, assuming there is one? Keep in mind that you're talking about fish eggs in either case, but there are a few key distinctions to make. Only sturgeon roe (fish eggs) can be labeled as "caviar" in the United States and Canada, but roe from any other species of fish must be marked with the fish's name, such as salmon roe, whitefish roe, trout roe, carp roe, and so on. Bottarga's eggs are usually gathered from tuna and grey mullet, so they aren't technically "caviar," but the procedure for making each of these delicacies is quite similar.
Both Bottarga and caviar go through a salting and curing process before being transformed into the finished product. However, caviar is much more expensive owing to variations in sourcing requirements. The price per ounce ranges from $100 to $1,000. Bottarga, on the other hand, can cost anything from $6 to $18 per ounce.
Bottarga, as previously said, has a strong, salty flavor that may lend richness and complexity to an otherwise simple meal. It's important to remember that a bit of Bottarga goes a long way when it comes to not dominating a meal. While Bottarga has a wide range of culinary applications, here are a few instances of how this unusual ingredient is being used: One of the most common Bottarga used in Sardinia is to grate it over spaghetti and mix it with the noodles and olive oil. Because of the olive oil, the Bottarga will adhere to the noodles, giving it a golden color that resembles curry.
Grated Bottarga over raw celery stalks is a favorite antipasto in Sardinia. Bottarga is frequently grated and served over raw, roasted, or cooked broccoli or cauliflower. A tiny quantity of Bottarga can be sliced or shredded into a salad of sliced cherry or Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Bottarga is commonly grated over buttered bread slices for a delectable (and a little sophisticated) toast with a kick! Grating bottarga over an omelet or a lovely batch of scrambled eggs is a great way to use it. Other Italian foods, such as risotto, go nicely with Bottarga.
One of the best things about Bottarga is how little you need it to make a significant difference in the flavor and quality of your dish. You may shred, crumble, or slice it as required, then wrap and store the rest in the refrigerator for months. With the solid and robust depth of flavor that this dazzling delicacy gives, you can give classic dishes a new lease on life and turn an average meal into a gourmet masterpiece!
Gourmet Foods
You can try getting your Bottarga foods from online shops such as Duke’s Gourmet. Gourmet cuisine is pleasing to the eye well as pleasant to the taste buds. For gourmet meals, it's all about the quality.
Duke's Gourmet has one of the widest range of gourmet food products online, with everything from Italian truffle to bottarga, caviars and pearls, as well as a broad variety of sauces and toppings.