Caviar has a long and interesting history - one of “social advancement”. It has traveled from country cottages to tsarist palaces. Between XIII and XVII century caviar was considered to be a medicine for children and it was a source of valuable nutritional ingredients for the Russian lower class as well as a rather popular dish during fasting season. And all of that for one good reason. Caviar was
much cheaper than regular fish. But change had already begun to happen.
The first appearance of caviar was recorded in Russia in 1240 when the Mongols marched to the vast territory of that country. The grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu Khan, spared a monastery in Uglich, after he had been served a dessert made of baked apple with caviar during the feast prepared for him by the monks. It was the religious traditions, dictating a significant time of fast during every year that led to the creation and advancement of meatless cuisine in Russia. So, it was natural that fish enjoyed a special place in Russian cuisine.ossetra caviar
The great boost in the course of caviar was given in 1696 when Russia made her first attempt to open up to Europe and Tsar Peter the Great came to the throne, both culturally and culinary. During his reign, caviar made it from being served on a tsarist table to becoming a major export product to Europe.
Images Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michalo/15636134874
https://www.flickr.com/photos/greatfood360/16050785479
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