Fish eggs, or caviar, are a delicacy that is often served at lavish parties and high-end restaurants. The fish eggs come in many different varieties from sturgeon to salmon. They can be most commonly found as an appetizer on the menu but also used in salads and other dishes. A lot of people enjoy this dish, it can be hard to tell when they've gone bad.  That's why you should know how to identify which caviar is not good to consume. Here are things you should consider if you have caviar at home.

1. Check the packaging 

Visually inspect the packaging. Look for signs that the packaging has been opened or damaged, such as tears in the plastic wrap or crushed cans. If you find these things, take a closer look at the contents inside to ensure that they are still sealed. Expired caviar can be served, but it loses its flavor and texture.  If the packaging is damaged, throw it away because it might be an indicator that the caviar stored is dangerous to consume.

2. Smell the Caviar

Odors are another good indicator of whether caviar is still edible or not. Spoiled caviar can have an almost overpowering fishy smell to it which isn't pleasant at all. If your canned caviar smells off when opened, throw it out immediately. A light sour smell can also indicate that the eggs are starting to go bad prematurely. You may notice a change in odor when the cans or jars start to rust as well. It's best to dispose of those cans or jars immediately if you notice rust on the metal.

3. Does it look the same as before? 

This is a tricky one-caviar can change appearance over time, but this is usually due to oxidation rather than actual decomposition. If you've been storing homemade caviar in an airtight container separated from foods that can contaminate it, you should be able to eat it even if the color has changed. On the other hand, if your can of caviar looks like it's been in an explosion, chances are its flavor and texture may have been compromised as well. 

4. Check for signs that it's starting to go bad  

Sometimes the difference between delicious caviar that has gone bad and bad caviar is very subtle. Tiny changes in color or consistency can happen over time, but you may notice them if you look closely enough. You've probably seen expired caviar before yourself-it's a common practice for restaurants to offer it at discount prices on their buffets. Expired caviar isn't bad, but it doesn't have much flavor either.

5. Taste it! 

This may sound like a bad idea at first, but tasting caviar you think might be questionable is actually the best way to tell if it's expired. You can always salt and cook extra bad-smelling caviar in case your suspicions are correct. This is a great idea even if you're trying to test good caviar-you never know what might have happened in transit and you may end up with spoiled eggs on your hands! 

6. Check the color

Older caviar turns black, while fresh caviar will maintain its natural yellow or gray color. However, different kinds of prized sturgeon have slightly different colors as well. For example, beluga caviar is almost jet black in color even when it's quite fresh. It turns grayish-black just before it goes bad, and a little brown if you let it sit for a while. Always check the color of the caviar you plan to serve and know your product beforehand so that you won't be disappointed if it ends up being something other than what you'd expect.

7. Put some of the caviar in water and see if the eggs float

Fresh caviar should sink to the bottom while sour or expired caviar will float on top. If you notice some floating egg caviar, it's probably best to just throw the whole batch out. You never know what conditions the eggs were exposed to before they got to your kitchen.

8. To tell if the eggs are fresh, bend them lightly in your hands and see how they break apart.

Touching the caviar lightly will make a slight indentation, and you can judge their freshness based on how easily the eggs break apart. Fresh caviar will be hard, and the eggs will hold together very little when you run your finger across them. Expired caviar, on the other hand, weakens and spreads apart very easily.

Fresh water-packed caviar will have small opaque beads that are firm when squeezed between your fingers. If the eggs look milky white and very soft, you probably shouldn't eat them. Also note, if they're tightly covered with skin and difficult to squeeze, chances are you're dealing with a bad batch of caviar from a can that has gone off prematurely.

9. Check the expiration date on the label

Every product that was stored inside a can or a jar has labels. If you purchase the caviar from a specialty store or reputable seller, you may see an expiration date on the label. This will at least give you an idea of how long it has been sitting in the store. Of course, most sellers expect their customers to be familiar with the various types of caviar they're buying.

10. Throw out any caviar with mold or visible signs of spoilage

Molds are a common cause of food spoilage and they can spread to other foods in the area. If you come across caviar that has mold on the surface or looks otherwise rotten, it's best to chuck the whole can out and check for signs of spoilage before purchasing anymore.  The same goes for expired caviar if it smells bad, don't eat it.

Caviar can be a tasty and luxurious way to enjoy fish eggs. But you need to know how they should look before you cook or eat them. If your caviar has gone bad, it will have a different smell than fresh caviar. Be sure not to purchase any that are off-colored as well. Use these tips when considering whether the flavor is right for you.