AN UNUSUAL bourboncured smoked fish and a mildflavoured caviar were enjoyed by many at February's Aquaculture America 2003 event in Louisville, Kentucky.
These and other delicacies were supplied by Shuckman's Fish Company & Smokery, a local enterprise that specialises in gourmet food products.
The smoked fish and caviar came from the American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), also called spoonfish.
For years, this relative of the sturgeon was of marginal interest. But now it is beginning to carve a niche in gourmet food.
The break up of the USSR and the deterioration of US ties with Iran threatened the supply of top-grade sturgeon caviar.
