Osetra, Ossetra, Oscietra What Is The Correct Spelling for Russian Sturgeon Caviar?
Russian Sturgeon ( Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii) roe is used to produce one of the world's most well-known caviar. Any caviar connoisseur will instantly recognize the word Osetra when they hear it, but they might not spell it the same way we do.
Origins of the Name "Osetra"
Osetra is widely used when describing caviar from the species of fish known as the Russian Sturgeon. осётр (osetr) is the original Russian term, from which all variations are derived. Sometimes called the Diamond Sturgeon, Danube Sturgeon, or Osetra Sturgeon, these Caspian and Black Sea dwelling specimen were often caught in Russia. Thus, it is widely believed that the name given to Russian Sturgeon caviar simply came from осётр (osetr), the Russian word for sturgeon.
The differences in spelling likely originated from transliterations of осётр into various languages. Additionally, producers and sellers worldwide adopted spellings that suited their markets, often reflecting local pronunciation or branding preferences. Today, caviar companies can choose whichever spelling resonates most with their brand identity, further contributing to the variety.
Alternate Spellings of Osetra
There is no single correct spelling for "Osetra." Variations arose over time due to regional differences and the preferences of caviar producers and sellers worldwide. Here are the most common spellings:
- Osetra
- Ossetra
- Osietra
- Osectra
- Oscietra
- Asetra
These are all spellings used to title the roe from the Russian Sturgeon, and the different spellings of the word were actually created from the producers and sellers of Russian Sturgeon caviar in different parts of the world. None of the spellings of Osetra are incorrect, some are just more accepted than others depending on where you are.
Regional Preferences
Spelling variations primarily depend on the region or language and have no bearing on the quality or authenticity of osetra caviar. Osetra and Ossetra seem to be the most widely used, especially in countries where English is spoken as the primary language. Osceitra, Oseitra and even Asetra are more commonly found in other parts of Europe and Asia, but there is no standard dictionary spelling for the word in most languages. In the English language, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary has it down as Osetra, so we'll keep it like that for now.
Caviar brands today can choose whichever variation suits them regardless of how it is traditionally spelled in their region. This makes it even more difficult to pinpoint exactly where the changes in spelling come from, and can often make buying Russian Sturgeon caviar more complicated than it needs to be.
Buyer Beware: Authenticating Russian Sturgeon Caviar
Regardless of spelling, it’s crucial to verify that the caviar you purchase is from the Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii species. Unfortunately, some sellers exploit the term "Osetra" to market roe from lower-cost fish species as premium Russian Sturgeon caviar. To ensure authenticity:
- Check the Species Name: Look for "Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii" on the packaging or product description.
- Research the Producer: Buy from reputable caviar sellers who provide clear details about their sourcing and production methods.
- Examine Price and Quality: Premium Russian Sturgeon caviar typically commands a higher price due to its rarity and quality.
Whether you're buying a container of Asetra, Osetra, Ossetra, Osietra, Oscietra, or осётр, it is important to remember that all these words simply translate to sturgeon. This means, no matter how it is spelled, you should check that the caviar you are getting is from the Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii species rather than from "Osetra". There are caviar sellers that will use the name Osetra to trick customers into thinking that they are buying Russian Sturgeon caviar when it is actually caviar from a lower-cost species.
By focusing on the species and sourcing, you can enjoy the luxurious experience of true Russian Sturgeon caviar—no matter how it’s spelled. Shop our curated selecton of osetra caviar today to find something you'll love.