The production of caviar
Riofrío has the perfect conditions for the breeding of sturgeon.
On the one hand, it is located in the same river basin as the original habitat of the Acipenser naccarii, one of the most renowned varieties of sturgeon. On the other, our facilities with their water purity and temperature conditions, allow us to accurately reproduce its natural habitat.
All our caviar is made in our own facilities by highly specialised staff. We do not just repackage, we are the producers of what is considered to be one of the best caviars in the world.
Sierra
Caviar de Riofrio is located in the village of the same name, in the foothills of the rugged Sierra de Loja, which collects natural water, stores it in the depths of the mountain and flows through the source of the Riofrío.
Source
The source of the water is only 300 metres away from the outskirts of the facilities. The water comes directly from the inside of the mountain, always pure and abundant and always at the same temperature. In 2019 For the quality of the environment it was declared a Natural Monument by the Andalusian Government. Giving it a figure of protection for the future.
Water purification
We use water, but we don't waste or contaminate it. In fish farming, water is used but not wasted. All the water that is used is returned to the river afterwards. If it is also organic fish farming, as is our case, it is not only not wasted but particular care is taken when purifying it, so that it is returned to the environment in a similar condition to when it was extracted.
Mesocosm
To do this, we have what is known as a Mature Wetland Mesocosm. These are naturalised artificial lakes, full of the natural vegetation of the area. As we are dedicated to organic production, we do not use chemicals and our only pollutants, are the phosphorous and nitrogen in the animal feed and fish debris. The submerged part of the plants, stems and radicular systems, as well as the algae that are part of the mesocosm, are colonised by the beneficial bacteria which make the natural cycle of phosphorous and nitrogen, converting them into phosphates and nitrates which are absorbed by the plants or weathered materials, therefore eliminating them from the water.
Birdlife
Another important contribution of the Mesocosm is that it provides a home to varied native wildlife which would not be present in the area if it did not exist. A large amount of birds, especially insectivore birds are present, ducks, ichthyophagous birds, aquatic reptiles, etc. This acquires a positive impact which helps to compensate for possible negative impacts which may occur.
Carbon footprint
Both the Mesocosms as well as the abundant amount of vegetation on the riverbanks that we maintain means there is a very good absorption gradient of CO2 on site, reducing our carbon footprint or even placing us as net consumers of CO2.
Guided tours
Como ejercicio de transparencia, difusión de la producción ecológica y divulgación de la acuicultura, posible gracias a la labor de seguimiento de nuestros 4 biólogos expertos; el Dr. Domezain y tres profesionales rusos, ofrecemos diversos tipos de visitas guiadas, acompañadas o no de degustaciones de caviar, catas técnicas, etc.