Also called masago, smelt roe are the eggs from the type of smelt fish called a capelin. The most likely place to encounter them is at a sushi restaurant where they’re commonly used inside rolls or on top as a tasty garnish.
What species of fish is roe?
What Is Smelt Roe? The smelt is a species of small fish belonging to the Osmeridae family. These fish are divided into several subgroups, including capelin, rainbow smelt, and European smelt. Roe is a general term for fish eggs, so smelt roe is simply Smelt fish eggs, similar to how caviar refers to sturgeon roe.
Understanding Smelt Roe Despite the rarity of smelt fish meat in sushi restaurants, smelt roe is a popular item. Smelt roe, distinguished by its reddish-orange hue, is crunchy and abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which are extraordinarily beneficial to your health. Omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health and contribute to the maintenance of mental health and wellness.
The many uses of smelt roe, or masago as it is known in Japan, should be investigated by anyone interested in delicious food. It can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as in standalone rolls, as a garnish for sushi rolls, or as a spread. Try Smelt Roe Currently When seeking to diversify your diet, smelt roe is a worthwhile choice. 
Synthetic Alternatives – As technology advances and businesses become more innovative with their marketing, more synthetic caviar products are being introduced. These products are neither fish roe nor caviar from the sturgeon. To add more interesting flavors, they are typically derived from fruits, vegetables, and sometimes fungi such as mushrooms and truffles.
- Typically, these items are created through a scientific process known as spherification, which utilizes substances such as sodium alginate and chemical reactors such as sodium chloride to form small beads from the constituent ingredients.
- Spherification allows for the creation of strawberry caviar, kelp caviar, black truffle caviar, and other products that mimic the shape and texture of real roe and sturgeon caviar.
Even the most casual caviar enthusiast should be aware that these products are not the real deal and are more of a novelty garnish. Still, creative dishes can serve a purpose; just call them what they are.
Can you eat smelt roe?
Masago, also known as smelt roe, is the edible roe of the capelin fish. They are rich in protein and essential nutrients such as omega-3s, selenium, and vitamin B12. Be wary of roe products that contain additional ingredients such as added salt, MSG, or high fructose corn syrup, limit your consumption of masago if you have high blood pressure, and avoid it entirely if you’re allergic to seafood.
The allows any salt-cured fish roe to be labeled as caviar, so long as the species of fish is also included on the label. Those in the know, however, are aware that “salmon caviar” is not authentic. If the label simply reads “caviar,” the product is derived from the sturgeon family. 