Storing Caviar Safely

Don't open caviar until needed. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers promptly and use within a day or two. If caviar is left in the tin, the surface should be smoothed and a sheet of plastic wrap should be pressed directly onto the surface before placing it back in the refrigerator. Turn the tin over each day so the oil reaches all of the eggs.

Refrigerate but never freeze! Freezing of caviar can be done but is not recommended. Freezing can toughen the caviar roe membrane and alter the flavor. If you feel you will not be able to consume your caviar within the three weeks recommended or you are not able to refrigerate it properly, freezing is an option. If you freeze your caviar you must thaw it slowly in your refrigerator over most of a day prior to serving.

In order to avoid having the berries burst, caviar must be refrigerated at 28 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done either by putting the tin in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the meat shelf, or by placing the tin in a bowl and surrounding it with crushed ice. Fresh caviar can be stored in your refrigerator for 15-20 days (unopened). Consume caviar once it has been opened within 2-3 days. Unopened pasteurized caviar can be kept on the shelf for 6 months.