Our passion for sustainable farming practices and commitment to producing the highest quality caviar has made us a leader in the industry. We take great pride in our fish, which are raised in pristine conditions and fed a natural diet that results in the most flavorful and healthy caviar. Our dedication to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture has also earned us the prestigious certification by the ECO-CERT™ . This means that every bite of our caviar not only satisfies your taste buds, but also supports our efforts in protecting our planet. As you stroll through our farm, you will see the fruits of our labor in the form of lush green pastures, crystal clear ponds, and happy, thriving fish. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond just our farming practices, as we also hand-select each and every egg to ensure only the best make it into our tins. From the moment our fish are born to the moment our caviar reaches your spoon, we pour our hearts and souls into every step of the process. At Tsar Nicoulai, we believe that caviar is a 'Celebration of Life'.
Our Vision
At our farm, we are committed to providing the cleanest and best caviar and sturgeon products to our customers. However, our vision goes beyond just producing high-quality food. We also strive to inspire the continued growth of our farm's environmental and sustainable stewardship. We believe that it is our responsibility to not only provide delicious food, but also to do so in a way that is mindful of the impact on our planet. We want to see good food on a better Earth. This vision is deeply rooted in our farm-to-table philosophy. We believe in the importance of knowing where our food comes from and how it is produced. By following a farm-to-table approach, we can ensure that our products are of the highest quality and are produced in an ethical and sustainable manner.
Food Integrity
Since our beginning in 1984, we have been committed to environmental practices. Connecting our customers directly with our products was the goal long before “farm-to-table” became a popular marketing slogan. Our innovative production practices are rooted in the California ethos and keep us on the forefront of technological advances for sustainable farming.
Our farm is home to different stages of sturgeon, all spawned in our own hatchery, maintaining our unique white sturgeon genetics. The sturgeon, each with us for upwards of eight years, are fed an ultra premium NLAP non-GMO fish feed, are never given growth hormones, and do not receive antibiotics. This is a true testament to how dedicated we are to farming happy sturgeon.
During the summer, natural aqua plants cool the fish. The same plants organically filter the pure well water that fills the tanks. Paired with the California sun and a natural ecosystem, our fish enjoy a free-range environment. Compared to sturgeon farmed with shortcuts, the superior taste and quality of our caviar is undeniable.
We are the only ECOCERT eco-certified sturgeon farm in the United States. We are also currently the only U.S. sturgeon farm with an on-site smokehouse and hatchery. After the caviar has been harvested, the meat is smoked with delicious rubs and spices dreamt up by our very own farm staff. We are always finding new and interesting ways to maximize the entire fish and continue to strive for zero waste within all our production. Our new Aquaponics system allows us to reduce our water usage by 80% and grow organic butter lettuce at the same time.
Know your roe
Established in the early 1980s, Tsar Nicoulai has consistently strived for innovation and inspiration in the caviar industry. As a responsible company, we strongly advocate for supporting domestic caviar farms to ensure the highest quality and ethical practices.
Domestic caviar farms in the United States, such as those in California, Idaho, North Carolina, and Florida, adhere to rigorous standards and use sustainable farming practices. By choosing domestic caviar, you support local businesses, create jobs, and reduce the environmental impact associated with international transportation. The easiest way to determine the origin of your caviar is to examine the label. Look for the words 'Grown by' to confirm that the caviar was cultivated in the United States. Avoid imported products that may contain additives such as borax, which is used as a dish solvent in America.
Some online-only caviar shops primarily source their products from Chinese farms, where quality control and farming practices may be questionable. Additionally, pay attention to keywords like 'packed for' or 'packed by.' If the packed-by company differs from the brand, it indicates that the product has been previously packed, which can compromise quality and shorten shelf life.
Underneath the jar, you will find the CITIES label. This label provides vital information about the caviar, including the species, country of origin, lot information, and other important facts. Avoid caviar with cryptic labeling or missing information. Attractive labels and marketing campaigns can be misleading. Focus on the substance rather than the appearance. Look for reputable brands that prioritize transparency and provide detailed information about their product. Supporting domestic caviar farms is essential for ensuring the highest quality, ethical practices, and environmental sustainability. By paying attention to the label and avoiding imported products with questionable origins, you can make informed choices that support local businesses and promote responsible caviar consumption.
transparency + traceability
Because we have an obsession with doing everything right and kind by the Earth, we have nothing to hide. We are happy to share the details of our production with our customers – in fact, we thrive on it! We also invite industry partners and collaborators to the farm to have a look around. Because we control every aspect of production from spawning, grow out, and harvest to crafting the caviar and smoking the fish meat, we can guarantee the quality and integrity of our products. Supporting local American farmers reduces dependence on foreign imports and boosts the local economy.
uniques grades of caviar
From our farm straight to your door, we provide the caviar enthusiast direct access to the best custom crafted caviar. By managing our own brood stock and spawning, we control our fish lineage and maintain unique grades of caviar - Classic, Estate, Select, Reserve, Golden Reserve, and Crown Jewel. It all started back in 1984, when UCDavis researchers identified our local California White Sturgeon as a unique species capable of naturally producing caviar with variations in color, flavor, and texture. Our farm is situated about 10 miles away from the waters that native White Sturgeon species inhabit. By simulating those neighboring rivers for the sturgeon, we emulate the works of Mother Nature and are able to harvest some of the highest yields and best quality of caviar.
a super food
Did you know caviar is rich in Omega-3s and loaded with B12, amino acids, and antioxidants? Long believed to be a superfood, caviar is also packed with selenium, which is noted to improve your immune system. Our farm is Eco-Certified, meaning we are third party audited yearly with a focus on quality and animal welfare. Our custom-designed, non-grain sturgeon feed finds balance between healthy, happy sturgeon and dynamic caviar. The non-GMO diet yields a caviar free of heavy metals or land-based protein. Steroid-free, antibiotic-free, and full of heart healthy nutrients - you can enjoy our caviar knowing that not only is it delicious, it’s good for you too!
accolades + partners
