Your Caviar Questions Answered
Embark on a journey of discovery with our Expert Insights. In this section, we address your most pressing questions about caviar – from its origins and varieties to tips on storage, serving, and savoring this luxurious delicacy. Our FAQ section is designed to enhance your appreciation and understanding of caviar, ensuring that every experience with our Private Selection products is as enriching as it is delightful. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of premium caviar, our answers aim to provide clarity, deepen knowledge, and inspire your culinary adventures.”
Frequently asked questions about caviar
How long does caviar keep for?
Caviar can be kept for about 1 month in the fridge (between 0 and 4°C) before opening. Once the tin has been opened, it should be kept in the fridge and the caviar should be consumed within 24 hours. To retain its texture, caviar should never be frozen.
Where does your caviar come from?
Our caviar is sourced from various fish farms across the world, all of which strictly adhere to Private Selection specifications. Our partner farms are situated in different regions, including:
• Europe: France, Bulgaria, Italy, and Poland.
• Other regions of the world: mainly South America, Asia, and Africa.
For more detailed information about the origin of each caviar, you can refer to its product description by clicking on “More information about the product.”
After production at these farms, Maison Private Selection transports the caviar to its workshops in Paris, New York, and London. Here, our caviar experts begin the refining and sorting process for each caviar. This maturation and selection process can last from 3 to 12 months, depending on the caviar type and the desired level of flavor complexity. This expertise, unique to Private Selection, transforms the caviar from a raw material with a primarily salty taste into a caviar with rich, complex flavors and aromas, characteristic of exceptional caviar.
How should caviar be served?
Caviar is best enjoyed using a specially designed spoon, often referred to as a “tasting spoon.” These spoons are typically made of stainless steel, hardwood, or mother-of-pearl. It’s important to avoid using silver spoons, as they can lead to oxidation and affect the caviar’s taste and quality.
What Is the Recommended Way to Enjoy Caviar?
Caviar is best enjoyed with a minimalist approach—less is more! Whether it’s your first tasting or not, relish caviar in its purest form or accompanied by lightly buttered toast or delicate blinis.
Which caviar is ideal for a first tasting experience?
If you’re new to caviar and looking for the perfect option for your first tasting, we recommend exploring our range of caviars, including Oscietre Caviar, Baerii Caviar, Gold Schrenki Caviar, and Beluga Caviar. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve prepared an article titled “Selecting the Perfect Caviar: A Guide” This article provides detailed insights into the characteristics of each of our Private Selection caviars, assisting you in selecting the ideal option for your first caviar tasting experience.
What is the best drink to pair with caviar?
White vodka and caviar are the classic combination. Following the rich Russian tradition, this pairing is ideal for robust and iodized caviars like Baerii or Gold Schrenki Caviar.
For more delicate caviars like Beluga or Oscietre, we recommend the freshness of a well-balanced champagne or white wines with an optimal blend of acidity and maturity. These options will tantalize your taste buds and allow the caviar’s fine marine flavors and subtle hints of dried fruit to shine.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s best to steer clear of overly structured champagnes, as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the caviar.
Looking for caviar recipes?
Is it safe to consume caviar during pregnancy?
As a precautionary measure, we do not recommend the consumption of caviar for pregnant customers.
Frequently asked questions about products
What is the country of origin and the composition of your products?
Our smoked fish products are proudly crafted in France. While most of our delicatessen items are also produced in France, a few are sourced from reputable European and Armenian suppliers. You can find specific information about the country of origin and the composition of each product in its description. We want to clarify that Private Selection does not offer products originating from Russia.
How Should Your Products Be Stored?
To ensure the freshness and quality of our products, it’s important to store them properly. Specific storage conditions for each product can be found in their respective descriptions. We take great care to provide you with this information to maintain the optimal taste and quality of our offerings.
If you have any additional questions about product storage or any other inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team. We’re here to assist you in making the most of your Private Selection experience.
Questions about your order
How can i get assistance with placing an order?
We’re here to assist you! If you need help or guidance with placing an order, our Customer Service team is available to assist you from Monday to Friday. You can reach out to us via our contact form, and one of our dedicated advisors will get back to you promptly.
Additionally, if you’re located in a country where it’s available, you can chat with an advisor in real-time using the chat box located at the bottom of our website.
For the best experience, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers when accessing our website on your computer.
Is everything available on the site in stock?
Absolutely, all the products featured on our website are currently in stock. However, if you happen to come across a product that is temporarily unavailable, you have the option to receive an email notification as soon as it’s back in stock. Simply click the “Notify me when the product is available again” link located on the product page.
Can i cancel or modify my order?
Once your order has been confirmed, we regret to inform you that it cannot be altered. If you wish to make changes or cancel your order, please get in touch with our Customer Service team at your earliest convenience, and they will assist you with the necessary steps.
Is it necessary to create an account to complete an order?
No, you are not required to create an account to place an order. If you prefer not to create an account, you can proceed as a guest during the checkout process. Simply refrain from entering a password when finalizing your purchase.
However, we highly recommend creating a personal account and logging in when making your purchases. By doing so, you will gain access to valuable features such as your order history, invoices, and order tracking information, providing you with a more streamlined and convenient shopping experience.
How can i monitor the status of my order?
If you have placed an order while logged into your account, you can easily track its status by visiting your order history. Regardless of whether you placed your order as a guest or a registered user, you will always receive a notification email informing you when your order has been shipped. This email will include relevant tracking information for your convenience.
Can i send my order as a gift?
Certainly! When you place your order, you have the option to include a personal message. Our team will handwrite this message on a Private Selection card, adding a special touch to your gift. Please rest assured that we never include an invoice in the package. The package will contain only a list of the products, with no pricing details. It’s worth noting that the name of the company may appear on the shipping label.
Questions about your account
Why should i create an account?
Connecting to your customer account offers several benefits:
• Order Tracking: You can easily follow the progress of your orders.
• Purchase History: Access a record of your previous online purchases.
• Personal Information: Manage your personal information, including your address book.
• Invoices: Download your invoices conveniently.
• Newsletter: Register for our newsletter to stay updated.
• Product Feedback: Leave your opinions and comments about the products you’ve ordered.
How do i create an account?
Creating an account is easy. When you proceed to checkout and provide your details, you will see an option to create an account.
Forgot your password?
If you can’t remember your password, simply click on the link labeled “Forgot your Password?” located on the login page of your account. We’ll promptly send you an email containing a link that will enable you to create a new password. Please check your “Spam” folder if you don’t receive our email.
Questions about order payments
Which payment methods are accepted?
We offer convenient payment options to complete your purchase. You can pay securely through the following methods:
• Wire Transfer: If you prefer to pay via wire transfer, please reach out to our Customer Service, and they will guide you through the process. (Please note that the process will take longer)
• Bank Cards: We accept major bank cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Your payment will be processed securely through PayPal’s platform.
Is paying for my order secure?
Your security is our priority. When making a purchase on our website, rest assured that we have implemented robust security measures:
• 3D Secure: We require a security code (known as “3D Secure”) for all transactions, adding an extra layer of protection to your payment.
• PayPal Security: Our payment platform is powered by PayPal, a trusted and secure payment system.
When will my payment be debited?
Your card will be debited as soon as your order is confirmed. Upon confirmation, you will receive an email notification that includes your order’s invoice.
If you do not receive this confirmation email within a few minutes of your purchase, please check your “Spam” folder. If you still haven’t received it, feel free to reach out to our Customer Service for assistance.
I’m having trouble completing your online payment?
If you are facing difficulties completing your online payment, it could be due to various reasons, such as limitations or authorizations set by your bank. In such cases, we recommend reaching out to your bank for assistance.
If the issue persists and it’s not related to your bank’s conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service team. We will be happy to assist you and can provide you with a secure payment link to help you complete your transaction. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are here to ensure a smooth shopping experience for you.
Questions about the delivery of your order
Where do you deliver your products?
Our delivery service covers primarily European countries.
What is the delivery time for orders?
Orders placed from Monday to Thursday before 12pm will be delivered within 24 hours. Orders placed after 12pm will be dispatched on the following Monday. Deliveries to Corsica and the European Union are expected to arrive within 48 hours. For further details, please consult our delivery page.
How can i monitor the shipping progress of my delivery?
Once your package has been transferred to the courier, you will receive an email notification confirming the shipment. Subsequently, you can request the tracking number from us. We will promptly send you an email containing the tracking number, allowing you to receive email updates on the status of your delivery.
How is the delivery process managed?
We ensure discreet delivery by using plain packaging that does not reveal the contents. However, please note that the courier documents may display the brand name. To facilitate a smooth delivery, it is crucial for the recipient to be available on the scheduled delivery date. Providing a telephone number is essential so that the courier can coordinate the delivery with the recipient in advance.
Is the temperature maintained during transport for chilled products?
Yes, we take the utmost care to ensure the temperature of chilled products remains consistent during transport. These products are shipped in insulated packaging and transported using refrigerated boxes to ensure that the correct temperature is maintained throughout the journey. This allows us to guarantee an uninterrupted cold chain delivery, regardless of external temperatures. However, it’s essential to promptly refrigerate the products upon receiving the package.
What happens if a product is out of stock or missing from my order?
If a product is out of stock, our Customer Service will get in touch with you before shipping the package. However, if you discover that an item is missing from your order without prior notification, please contact our Customer Service, and we will swiftly resolve the issue. In some cases, large orders may be divided into multiple packages, all of which should be delivered together by the courier. If this doesn’t occur, please reach out to our Customer Service for assistance.
If the package i receive is damaged, what should i do?
If you observe any damage to the package during the delivery process, we advise you to decline the package if possible. If refusal isn’t an option, please take photographs of the damaged package and promptly send them to our Customer Service along with your order number. This will assist us in resolving the issue effectively.
Questions about product returns
How do i go about returning or exchanging a product?
Please note that chilled products cannot be returned or exchanged due to their nature. However, for other products, we offer a 14-day cancellation period. If you wish to initiate a return or exchange within this timeframe, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for detailed information, and don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange the return process.
What steps should i take if i encounter an issue with the product i have received?
If you encounter any issues or defects with the product you have received, please retain the product packaging and get in touch with our Customer Service team as soon as possible. We will investigate the matter internally and work to find a suitable solution to resolve the issue. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are committed to addressing any concerns you may have.