Why Mother of Pearl Spoons are the Perfect Choice for Serving Caviar
When it comes to enjoying caviar, we are all about the details. From the type of caviar to the serving bowl, we have it down. One essential component that can’t be overlooked is the spoon. However, not just any spoon will do. That's where the mother-of-pearl spoon comes in. You rarely hear about it outside of caviar, but these elegant and timeless spoons have been used to serve roe for centuries and have become a must-have for any caviar connoisseur.
History of Mother of Pearl as Service Wear for Caviar
When it comes to the rise of mother-of-pearl and caviar, there is one woman to credit, Catherine the Great of Russia. During her reign, caviar became more than just a traditional Russian dish; it emerged as a delicacy across Europe and entered the world of ultimate luxury. Once caviar shifted from food for peasants to an imperial indulgence, the accouterments and service wear transcended the past. Gold and mother-of-pearl became the latest accessory in Russian Royalty. To celebrate the birth of her grandson Alexander, Catherine threw such an extravaganza that the English Ambassador reported that there were " jewels and caviar on the banquet table to the amount of more than two million sterling." Placing caviar at the heart of the state banquet put caviar on the map for the rest of Europe and, eventually, the rest of the world.
Why Mother of Pearl Spoons are Important for Serving Caviar
It may sound like a myth or faux pas, but we can affirm that using a metal spoon to eat caviar is a no-go. Whether it be silver, nickel, bronze, or aluminum, oxidation is the problem. Once caviar interacts with a metal spoon, the material oxidizes and alters the flavor of the caviar on a chemical level. We avoid using metal or silver spoons for caviar consumption at all costs and opt for alternatives. Our favorite is the mother-of-pearl spoon. Mother of Pearl is a one-of-a-kind material made from organic and inorganic materials. It is made from a mix of mollusks (snails, clams, and nautilus) and hexagonal calcium carbonate platelets. Once formed into a spoon, this iridescent material creates a beautiful vessel to contrast against the dark amber of caviar pearls. Most importantly, it is a strong and non-reactive surface that only enhances the caviar experience.