Is there some sort of rule that says the uglier the fish, the better its roe? The NYT had an article about paddlefish caviar in their food section last week and the “second only to Beluga” got my attention. Think I’ll check the local stores for some before I order any, but here’s some background:
Paddlefish
(Polyodon spathula)
Status: State Threatened (1989).
Occurrence: Historic records occur for the Mississippi, St. Croix, Chippewa, Red Cedar and Wisconsin Rivers, and also in lower portions of the Baraboo River. Surveys indicate that populations have disappeared above the Prairie du Sac dam on the Wisconsin River. A map outlining Pre-1977 and 1997 to Present Distribution is available.
Aid to ID: Peculiar paddle-shaped snout, large size, shark-like tail. Grey to blue black dorsally and laterally, whitish ventrally. Also referred to as spoonbill catfish. Adult length may exceed 5 feet (1.5 m) including paddle.
And here’s a place to order some online:
Paddlefish - Paddlefish – (polydon spathula) Are a cartilaginous cousin to the sturgeon. Its snout is shaped like a ducks bill and therefore called “spoonbills”. Its roe ranges in color from light to dark steel gray. The caviar is comparable in size, color and taste to Caspian Sea Sevruga and makes a great less expensive substitute.
Paddlefish Caviar 2 oz $33.00
Paddlefish Caviar 1 oz $16.50
Paddlefish Caviar 4 oz $60.50
Paddlefish Caviar 7 oz $104.50
Paddlefish Caviar 16 oz $231.00
Paddlefish Caviar 500G $253.00
4:54:37 PM 
|
