American Paddlefish (Spoonbill)
Polyodon spathula
America's answer to Sevruga. Small, firm grey-black beads with a decisive pop, assertive salinity, and a stony mineral finish. Not subtle — but a remarkable value entry point to proper roe culture and one of the most sustainable American fisheries.
Assertive enough to hold its own against blini and crème fraîche — in fact the dairy tempers the salinity to great effect. The traditional Russian service works perfectly here.
Pairings
- Champagne
- NV Brut Champagne, Crémant d'Alsace
- Wine
- Albariño, Vermentino
- Spirits
- American rye vodka, Dry fino sherry
Production
- Source
- wild (regulated US)
- Producer
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Processing
- malossol
- Grade
- wild
Legal & sourcing
A sturgeon relative — CITES Appendix II listed but legally wild-harvested under regulated US state fishery permits.
CITES Appendix II — international trade requires documentation. Wild harvest is banned; all commercial product is farmed.
Affordable, slightly earthy domestic roe — best for entertaining a crowd.