Day 25: Ready Made Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Salad)

As some of you may recall, on Day 12 (March 1, 2012) of our blog, we examined how taramosalata would turn out using two different commercial brands of tarama as the base.  Today, we feel a bit lazy but very excited, nonetheless!  We are going to taste test two popular ready made brands of taramosalata. Both brands, Krinos and Fantis, are readily available in Greek and Mediterranean markets, as well as some larger grocery chains across Canada and the U.S.  And, even though they are the same end product (i.e. both are taramosalata), they are different products with different attributes.

Left: Krinos 330g (11.64 oz) taramosalata. Right: Fantis 241g (8.5 oz) taramosalata

The nutritional values for each brand is nearly identical, even though the ingredients are not.

You can see that each jar has a different colour and a different texture.  The one on the left (Krinos brand) has visible bits of roe and a pink hue. The one on the right (Fantis brand) is smoother and more white; the individual eggs that are highly visible on the Krinos brand are hard to see on the Fantis taramosalata.

Here they are on spoons.  Can you see the difference?

Upon closer look, the differences are quite noticeable.

Well, we had several people tasting these two brands of taramosalata to find out what the general opinion would be about the flavours and the likelihood of purchasing either of these products, or sticking to making the homemade version.  There were so many opinions to consider.  We reached children, elderly, middle-agers, and several 30 somethings, all of whom said similar things.  Here is what we learned:


The Krinos brand taramosalata had a "nice, pleasant flavour," and, "clearly tasted like the taramosalata we expect to taste;"  "It is light and creamy at the same time," and has "little oily aftertaste, which is how the homemade version would be after a day;" "It is nice to see the bits of roe in the mix, and it still has that pleasant, pinkish colour."


The Fantis brand taramosalata had a "smooth and fluffy texture;" with a "white colour that seems unnatural -- is that from the potato?"  Also, "it's too much like mayonnaise, not taramosalata"; "It's very much like the potato recipe homemade one, just less thick."


Overall, the Krinos taramosalata was chosen as the preferred and better tasting brand.  This same brand was chosen for having better texture, colour, and overall mouth feel.  Our tasters also agreed that serving either one would be fine in a pinch, but all preferred to make their own when time allowed.  Not one said the store bought taramosalata was bad, and everyone agreed that serving either taramosalata on bread or raw vegetables also made them more appetizing.


Finally, by the voting group we assembled to taste test the pre-made, store-bought taramosalata, the clear winner was the Krinos brand.  The Fantis was the second choice.


Thank you for reading all of these opinions.  We look forward to hearing what you have to say about either or both products.


St. John Chrysostom (on fasting)

Fasting is the change of every part of our life, because the sacrifice of the fast is not the abstinence but the distancing from sins. Therefore, whoever limits the fast to the deprivation of food, he is the one who, in reality, abhors and ridicules the fast. Are you fasting? Show me your fast with your works. Which works? If you see someone who is poor, show him mercy. If you see an enemy, reconcile with him. If you see a friend who is becoming successful, do not be jealous of him! If you see a beautiful woman on the street, pass her by.
(Source of quote: http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/ChrysostomFasting.php)