Roe
Roe is the fully ripe egg masses of fish and certain marine invertebrates, such as sea urchins.
As a seafood it is used both as a cooked ingredient in many dishes and as a raw ingredient.
A variety of roe types is used in Japanese cuisine, including the following which are used raw in sushi:
- Ikura - Salmon roe. Large reddish-orange individual spheres. Since salmon eggs are also used as bait, first-time sushi eaters who have experience fishing may be intimidated.
- Kazunoko - Herring roe, pinkish yellow, usually pickled. The roe is in a single cohesive mass and so looks like a piece of fish.
- Masago - small eggs of the Capelin, slightly orange in color
- Tobiko - Flying-fish roe, very crunchy. Similar in appearance to Masago, but more red.
- Uni - sea urchin roe, soft and melting. Color is an indication of quality and can range from orange to pale yellow.
Taramosalata is a well-known Greek dish consisting of roe pureed with some boiled potatoes.
Caviar is the name for sturgeon roe consumed as a delicacy.
ROE is also a military acronym meaning "Rules of Engagement."