quick
How Long Does Caviar Last? A Crème Fraîche Dip That Answers the Question
A quick, no-cook dip that shows you exactly when to use your caviar — and tastes great on chips, toast, or whatever's in the cupboard.
Hero image is an AI-generated styling reference.
The most common caviar question we get isn't about pairings or serving sizes — it's "how long does caviar last?" The honest answer: not that long once it's open, which is exactly why this dip exists. It's built around a 20–30 g tin of Baerii, a quantity you can finish in one sitting with a friend and a bag of chips.
The base is crème fraîche with chives and lemon — tangy, a little bright, ready in under ten minutes. The Baerii sits on top, light and clean, and the whole thing works as a snack, a starter, or dinner if you're not that hungry. No ceremony required.
One tip: open the caviar last, right before you eat. Caviar oxidizes once exposed to air, so the less time between opening and eating, the better the flavour. For more on handling and storage, our how-to-eat guide covers it in plain terms.
Ingredients
- 125 ml (½ cup) crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- a small pinch flaky sea salt
- about 20–30 g Baerii caviar — to serve — use within 2–3 days of opening
- enough for 2 kettle chips, toasted baguette rounds, or cucumber slices — for dipping
Method
-
Spoon the crème fraîche into a small bowl and stir in the chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a small pinch of flaky salt.
-
Taste and adjust — you want it bright and a little tangy to contrast the caviar.
-
Spread or spoon the dip onto your serving plate. Arrange chips, toast rounds, or cucumber slices alongside.
-
Open your caviar tin and spoon a small amount over the dip just before serving. Use a non-metal spoon if you have one — a regular teaspoon works fine.
Caviar for Tuesday
Caviar for this recipe
Frequently asked
How long does caviar last once opened?
Once opened, caviar lasts 2 to 3 days in the fridge — keep it tightly covered and eat it as soon as you can for best flavour. An unopened tin of Caviar Kitchen caviar lasts up to 4 weeks from delivery when kept cold (around 0–2°C). The date on your tin is your clearest guide.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes — the crème fraîche base keeps well for up to 2 days covered in the fridge. Add the caviar only right before serving so it stays fresh and the eggs don't get crushed.
What makes Baerii a good match for this dish?
Baerii is light, clean, and delicate, which means it doesn't compete with the tangy crème fraîche — it just brightens the whole thing. It's also one of the more approachable options if you're new to caviar.