How to Tell if your Caviar Has Gone Bad

Fish eggs, or caviar, are a delicacy that is often served at lavish parties and high-end restaurants. The fish eggs come in many different varieties from sturgeon to salmon. They can be most commonly found as an appetizer on the menu but also used in salads and other dishes. A lot of people enjoy this dish, it can be hard to tell when they've gone bad.  That's why you should know how to identify which caviar is not good to consume. Here are things you should consider if you have caviar at home.

1. Check the packaging 

Visually inspect the packaging. Look for signs that the packaging has been opened or damaged, such as tears in the plastic wrap or crushed cans. If you find these things, take a closer look at the contents inside to ensure that they are still sealed. Expired caviar can be served, but it loses its flavor and texture.  If the packaging is damaged, throw it away because it might be an indicator that the caviar stored is dangerous to consume.

2. Smell the Caviar

Odors are another good indicator of whether caviar is still edible or not. Spoiled caviar can have an almost overpowering fishy smell to it which isn't pleasant at all. If your canned caviar smells off when opened, throw it out immediately. A light sour smell can also indicate that the eggs are starting to go bad prematurely. You may notice a change in odor when the cans or jars start to rust as well. It's best to dispose of those cans or jars immediately if you notice rust on the metal.

3. Does it look the same as before? 

This is a tricky one-caviar can change appearance over time, but this is usually due to oxidation rather than actual decomposition. If you've been storing homemade caviar in an airtight container separated from foods that can contaminate it, you should be able to eat it even if the color has changed. On the other hand, if your can of caviar looks like it's been in an explosion, chances are its flavor and texture may have been compromised as well. 

4. Check for signs that it's starting to go bad  

Sometimes the difference between delicious caviar that has gone bad and bad caviar is very subtle. Tiny changes in color or consistency can happen over time, but you may notice them if you look closely enough. You've probably seen expired caviar before yourself-it's a common practice for restaurants to offer it at discount prices on their buffets. Expired caviar isn't bad, but it doesn't have much flavor either.

5. Taste it! 

This may sound like a bad idea at first, but tasting caviar you think might be questionable is actually the best way to tell if it's expired. You can always salt and cook extra bad-smelling caviar in case your suspicions are correct. This is a great idea even if you're trying to test good caviar-you never know what might have happened in transit and you may end up with spoiled eggs on your hands! 

6. Check the color

Older caviar turns black, while fresh caviar will maintain its natural yellow or gray color. However, different kinds of prized sturgeon have slightly different colors as well. For example, beluga caviar is almost jet black in color even when it's quite fresh. It turns grayish-black just before it goes bad, and a little brown if you let it sit for a while. Always check the color of the caviar you plan to serve and know your product beforehand so that you won't be disappointed if it ends up being something other than what you'd expect.

7. Put some of the caviar in water and see if the eggs float

Fresh caviar should sink to the bottom while sour or expired caviar will float on top. If you notice some floating egg caviar, it's probably best to just throw the whole batch out. You never know what conditions the eggs were exposed to before they got to your kitchen.

8. To tell if the eggs are fresh, bend them lightly in your hands and see how they break apart.

Touching the caviar lightly will make a slight indentation, and you can judge their freshness based on how easily the eggs break apart. Fresh caviar will be hard, and the eggs will hold together very little when you run your finger across them. Expired caviar, on the other hand, weakens and spreads apart very easily.

Fresh water-packed caviar will have small opaque beads that are firm when squeezed between your fingers. If the eggs look milky white and very soft, you probably shouldn't eat them. Also note, if they're tightly covered with skin and difficult to squeeze, chances are you're dealing with a bad batch of caviar from a can that has gone off prematurely.

9. Check the expiration date on the label

Every product that was stored inside a can or a jar has labels. If you purchase the caviar from a specialty store or reputable seller, you may see an expiration date on the label. This will at least give you an idea of how long it has been sitting in the store. Of course, most sellers expect their customers to be familiar with the various types of caviar they're buying.

10. Throw out any caviar with mold or visible signs of spoilage

Molds are a common cause of food spoilage and they can spread to other foods in the area. If you come across caviar that has mold on the surface or looks otherwise rotten, it's best to chuck the whole can out and check for signs of spoilage before purchasing anymore.  The same goes for expired caviar if it smells bad, don't eat it.

Caviar can be a tasty and luxurious way to enjoy fish eggs. But you need to know how they should look before you cook or eat them. If your caviar has gone bad, it will have a different smell than fresh caviar. Be sure not to purchase any that are off-colored as well. Use these tips when considering whether the flavor is right for you.

10 Best Tips on How to Fly Fish and Travel

Fly fishing is the activity for you if you prefer to travel off grid and get away from it all. The team at Fly Fisher Pro have been travelling the world fly fishing all over the world for the past 2 decades! So we took the time to ask them for some of their best tips to travel and catch more fish!

Here are some of our favorite tips on how to fly fish while travelling that we discussed.

#1 Keep a detailed journal of your activities

Consider making a list of the activities you engaged in, the sites you fished on and the equipment you used. Keep updating the journal throughout the trip and use it as a reference the next time you travel to fly fish. It will help you prepare and ensure you are adequately equipped for the trip. In addition, if you plan on going fishing, be sure to research Jack's Charter Service. As they offer exceptional fishing adventures in some of the most beautiful locations.

#2 List your equipment and gear needs

There are essential fly fishing equipment you always need to carry. When travelling away from home to fly fish, make sure you carry travel and identification documents. Have a list of the gear you need to have, carry warm clothes, insect repellent, rain gear, sunscreen and personal items you will need.

#3 Inspect your equipment

Before travelling for the trip, double-check your equipment and ensure you are all set for the trip. To avoid the late discovery of broken gear when you are in a remote location, ensure you regularly inspect your equipment before, during and after a fishing expedition. Ensure you also pack light and only what you will need.

#4 Practice how to cast

Fly fishing in saltwater is different from fishing in freshwater. Take time to learn how to cast before travelling to fly fish. For best results, practice on a windy day and try casting towards and across the wind. Learn how to work your wrist and cast on moving targets for the best casting outcome.

#5 Ensure your paperwork is all set

When travelling, check your identification and travel documents and ensure they are valid. Finding out your documents are outdated when you are in the airport is not something you want on your trip. Also, know the airline you will use because some of them are super accommodating to anglers travelling to common fishing destinations.

#6 Place the essential items in your carry-on luggage

When packing your carry-on bag, assume the checked luggage will delay for more than a day. Pack every important thing you need for the trip on the carry-on luggage so that you can still enjoy your trip even if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. Pack rods, flies, fishing attire, sunscreen and other essentials to enable you to fish for some days before you can get your other luggage.

#7 Label your equipment

All the bags you carry should have your updated ID information on the inside and outside. That information will make it easy to track and identify your luggage in case something happens. You will be able to receive it on time without the hassle of trying to prove it is your luggage.

#8 Beware of your shadow

When fly fishing, mind your shadow. Your shadow may make the fish aware of your presence. When you are on the bank, kneel or squat to avoid your shadow being projected onto the water. You may as well get into the water instead of standing on the bank then avoid abrupt movements in the water. The stealth will help you get your big catch.

#9 Approaching the water

It is good to survey the bank and edges of the water before getting in and casting. Some fish wander close to the bank, taking no precaution of protection spots. If you are in a hurry, you might miss this chance to catch your big fish easily. Focus on the accuracy of your cast and not how far you cast.

#10 Make inquiries with your guide

When fly fishing in a new area, try to engage a local guide. They are aware of all the good fishing spots in the area and navigating the new area will be easier for you. They are also knowledgeable and may teach you useful things. It is a good opportunity to learn from your guide, which will make you better at fly fishing.

Conclusion

Did you enjoy the fly fishing tips shared in this article? It is important to utilize these tips because they will help you make that perfect catch in your next fly fishing trip.

Comment on what you think about the article and if you liked it, share it with your fellow fly fishing enthusiasts. 

Why Finding The Right Accommodation Is Vital To Students

As a student starting your campus education, there are so many things that you need to do and find. Some of them you'll get right, and some of them you'll get wrong before learning how to do them. But, one of the things that you'll need to ace is getting the accommodation, if you won’t be living at home. The place you'll get will be your new home for months or even years, and, therefore, you need to get it right to avoid the hassle of looking for new accommodation every time.

There are several ways you can use to find suitable accommodation. You can ask other students about the places and apartments that have suitable accommodations. You can also search online for sites like Sunrisevillageapts.com and many others that offer accommodations, and read about reviews of them before settling for one. Once you get the right accommodation, you'll surely enjoy so many benefits throughout your student life.

There are several ways you can use to find suitable accommodation. You can ask other students about the places and apartments that have suitable accommodations. You can also search online for sites like Sunrisevillageapts.com and many others that offer accommodations, and read about reviews of them before settling for one. Once you get the right accommodation, you'll surely enjoy so many benefits throughout your student life. 

Benefits Of Finding The Right Accommodation 

If you're staying on campus for two, three, or four years, you'll want a place that you'll settle in once. While you can move to different apartments, it could be challenging due to the cost of settling again. As a student, you need a conducive place that allows you to study. Therefore, finding the right accommodation should be a priority.

Here are the reasons why the right accommodation is vital to students: 

1. It Helps Cut Costs 

Being a student means you have to live on a budget because you may not have enough money to support yourself, and even if you have a part-time job, it may still not be enough. Therefore, you need to cut down on most expenses for you to manage your university life. This starts by finding the right accommodation because that will determine how you spend your money daily. 

A good accommodation should be affordable to you, which means you shouldn't struggle to pay for rent. Moreover, it should be close to the campus, so that you won't have to pay much in commuting every day. The lifestyle around the place you choose to live in should also be student-friendly so that you won't struggle to fit in and live beyond your means. 

By getting accommodation that fits your budget, you'll have no problem concentrating on your studies or taking jobs that will eat into your study time. 

2. It Should Fit Your Personal Needs 

When looking for accommodation, one of the things to consider is your personal needs and preferences. For some, they’d prefer to live in an apartment that only allows students of the same-sex, while others are comfortable with apartments that allow different genders to stay in. 

Getting a place that fits your needs is important because you'll be comfortable living there and interacting with your neighbors. Therefore, look for an accommodation that suits your lifestyle. By having peace of mind and a sense of belonging to the right place, you'll be able to concentrate on what's essential for you as a student—your studies. Moreover, you won’t have to move often because the current place already perfectly suits you.

3. It Helps Foster Friendships

If you’re studying far away from home, and especially if it’s the first time, it’ll help if you’ll manage to make new friends. The new acquaintances will help you adapt much faster to the new environment, as well as the campus. When you settle in fast, you can easily concentrate on your studies and get going as soon as possible, which is very important for a student. 

Therefore, the new accommodation should be able to help you build new networks and friendships. This means that the apartment should be student-centric, as well as allow students to interact freely and regularly. You should look for basketball courts, movie halls, or any social court that'll bring students together regularly. This will build good relationships among students from different walks of life, which will also be essential in after-campus life. 

4. A Good Accommodation Should Be Student-Centric 

As a student, you’ll be forced to study in your room sometimes. For example, if you're preparing for exams, you may need to put extra hours into your books, and you'll do this in your room. Moreover, there's been a rise in online classes caused by the pandemic pushing many students to study in their rooms.  Therefore, the apartment you live in should provide you with the right environment to study, without much trouble. 

First, you may look for accommodation with a strong Internet connection because this will help you with your research or attend online classes. Also, your room should have a study area, as well as a bookshelf or cabinet. By having a student-centric apartment and room, you won't need to go to the university all the time for personal revisions because you can do it at home. 

5. The Right Accommodation Should Be Secure 

Student security is something that should never be compromised. Unfortunately, there have been many cases of insecurity on students, ranging from theft cases to worst cases, such as physical abuse or even deaths. Cases such as stealing personal belongings could be devastating to a student because that means they'll have to start from scratch again, or spend a lot of money and time tracking down their belongings. 

The right accommodation should be able to ensure the security of the students living there. It should have features such as gates and strong locks, which can't be easily broken. Moreover, the apartment should have security features, such as CCTV cameras at the gate and corridors of the apartment. This will help police officers track down or follow up any insecurity issue. 

Conclusion 

Finding suitable accommodation shouldn't be a problem because you can ask fellow students about them, read reviews, or shop around. If you find one that best suits your personal and student lives, you shouldn't hesitate to move in. 

The right accommodation is so important, as seen in the reasons mentioned above. It'll help you build good relationships, live in a secure environment, cut costs, and stay comfortable. You'll be able to focus on your education by having an excellent place to live in.

A Beginner’s Guide To Traveling the Middle East

The Middle East gets a bad media reputation due to decades of wars and turmoils. However, if you take some precautions, it is very safe for travelers. Many people think that it is only a great plane of desserts, but actually, you can find many snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, hip cities, and beautiful coasts. You will also be amazed by many ancient sites like Petra or Isfahan. So do you want to use your Qatar Airways discount code and go for the trip of your dreams?

If your answer is yes, then take a look at the list below. We prepared a guide for new Middle-East travelers that will help you get to know everything about this part of the world. Here, you can find information about local food, religion, traditions, money, interacting with locals, and many more. Keep reading and always be prepared.

Food

You will be surprised by the diversity of Middle-Eastern cuisine. You can find all the common types of food here, such as Chinese, Italian, or Mexican, but you can also try traditional dishes - for example, shawarma, falafel, and many more.

Keep in mind that Middle-Eastern food is usually very spicy and hot. Spices are used in abundance, so you should be ready to eat tons of dried chili peppers, cumin, and garlic. They use a lot of olive oil too, but that is only good for you. 

In many middle eastern countries, local people usually eat only with their hands. You should be aware that it is considered impolite to ask for cutlery, so try to stick to the local traditions. 

Haggling

Many people think that they shouldn’t haggle because locals won’t like them for that. However, that isn’t true – on the contrary, most locals consider haggling as a sign of being a well-mannered person, and they really appreciate it.

For example, if you want to buy something from a market stall, don’t hesitate to haggle. Offer half of the price you see and then a little more than that. You will see that the seller will go down in some time, giving you a pretty good discount. Remember, though, that you shouldn’t drive the price down too low - otherwise, you will insult the seller. 

Religion

If you are traveling through Muslim countries like Turkey or Egypt, you should be careful not to offend local people with inappropriate clothing or behavior. Be very aware of your actions. If you want to visit a mosque, make sure to dress appropriately. Don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing revealing clothes.

Don’t be afraid to say hello to people who cross your path on the streets and in the markets. It doesn’t matter if they are Muslims, Christians, or Jews – it is considered polite to greet everyone with “salam” or “salaam” (meaning “peace”). If someone greets you back, reply with “wa alaikum salaam” (meaning “and peace be upon you”).

Money

Always carry cash with you when traveling in the Middle East as it is much more widely used. It is possible that cards won’t work at some small stalls and shops so better be prepared. Also, remember that local people don’t like big bills – try to bring small notes with you.

Be aware of scams that often appear in many middle eastern countries where people will try to convince tourists to give them their money. For example, many thieves pretend to be police officers and stop tourists on the streets asking for their passports. Then, they steal your money while letting you go. Never give anyone your documents - even if the person looks like a police officer. Stay cautious. 

Emergency

If you are traveling alone, make sure always to have someone who can inform your family about your situation in case of an emergency. We would also recommend installing a messaging app that will allow you to set up geolocation tracking and check in with your family and friends via text messages and even phone calls.

For general safety reasons, try to use only the services of a licensed tour guide who knows the region well. This way, you will be able to travel without any worries, as a professional will lead you safely through the country. Furthermore, if you decide to go for a self-guided tour, always have a map and a compass with you. Also, learn some basic phrases in the local language – it will help in case you get lost.

Conclusion

The Middle East is a place of ancient history and stunning architecture. Don’t be afraid to come here - you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from the top of desert mountains and impressed by the beauty of the Dead Sea or the Red Sea. And if you worry about your safety, don’t - some preparation for the trip will be enough.

We hope that this article helped you learn new things about the Middle East and get ready for your next vacation. Now, start packing, and we hope that you enjoy your trip - whether to Egypt, Israel, or Saudi Arabia. 

The Pros And Cons Of Being In The Fitness Industry

As with any industry, there are pros and cons of being in the job, and if you are considering a career as a personal trainer then you need to be well-informed of what it is like to be in the fitness industry. You will need to start by completing some personal trainer courses to get your certification before you can begin to start training others. There are some useful physical training instructor courses you can also apply for to help you expand your knowledge and expertise in order to pursue this career choice. Before you enroll here are the top pros and cons that come with being in the fitness industry.

Here are the top pros and cons that come with being in the fitness industry.

Pros:

First up we are going to start with the positives;

1. You Get To Be Your Own Boss

One of the biggest perks of being in the fitness industry is that you get to be your own boss. You get to choose the hours you work and you get to choose where you work them. This gives you the flexibility that not many professions offer. So if you are sick of working under inefficient or ungrateful management then becoming a personal trainer could be the option for you.

2. You Choose Who To Work With

Another perk of the job is that you get to choose who you work with. So if you take on clients who cause you trouble or are disrespectful then you know that you don’t have to put up with this type of behavior. You can stop training them whenever you like, so the power is in your hands. On this same line of thinking, you also get to choose to work with people you might not usually get to interact with. As a result, you can end up meeting and work with some really cool people and this makes the job even more enjoyable. 

3. It Is A Profession You Can Take Anywhere

Working as a professional trainer is a great job for anyone who moves around a lot as it is a profession that you can take anywhere at any time. You can train to be a personal trainer through Fitness Mentors and take your qualifications wherever you like.. No matter where you go, people will always want to get fit, lose weight, tone up or improve their health. It is an industry that is not going anywhere anytime soon. 

4. You Stay Fit And Healthy

Unsurprisingly, working in the fitness industry will keep you fit, strong, and healthy! There are not a lot of jobs that can keep you healthy while earning on the job. Often people are stuck at their desks for hours on end as they sit in a chair and get on with their job. One of the biggest myths in the fitness industry is that you have to be a prime, lean, ultra-fit athlete to be a trainer but that is simply not the case. Anyone who has an interest in fitness and is willing to learn/study to become a trainer can do it. 

Cons:

Now it is time for the cons of the job;

1. Salary Can Be Inconsistent

One of the issues that personal trainers face in this job is an inconsistent salary. Sometimes you might find yourself earning loads of money but then other times you might be fighting for scraps. This is because the job is dependent on you finding and maintaining clients. This is a problem particularly for new personal trainers as they are still building up their portfolio of experience. However, with enough persistence, you will be able to find clients and keep yourself sustained. The average median earnings for a personal trainer is $62,576 and 10% of personal trainers can expect to make $80,000 plus. So this is an industry where you can earn big money if you work hard enough. 

2. You May Have To Work Unsociable Hours

Another disadvantage that comes with working in the fitness industry is that you will likely have to work unsociable hours. This is because your clients are likely to be working from 9 to 5 and so will need to train before 9 am or after 5 pm, and so while some people might be heading off to the pub for a drink after 5 pm, you will have to be working through these hours as that is prime time. This is not the case for everyone, and you may be able to build a list of clientele that work different shifts to the usual 9 to 5. So people who are retired, students, work in bars/ do any night shifts are easy to fit into more sociable hours.

Working in the fitness industry is a rewarding career option that gives you a sense of autonomy and increased flexibility. If you are thinking about making a career move and personal training sounds like a fit for you then get started today and find yourself a training course to get you qualified. 

How To Improve the Way You Travel with the Best Travel Pillow

When traveling, there is nothing more useful than to have a good travel pillow to make the trip easier.  A travel pillow is a cushion placed between your head and the travel seat so that you can travel in comfort. When traveling, it may sometimes be difficult to sleep due to the constant movement of the vehicle, especially if it is a plane or bus. A travel pillow will help you travel in comfort.

But choosing the best travel pillow can prove to be a difficult task.  There are travel pillows that are filled with memory foam, travel pillows that have cooling gel and travel pillows that can be adjusted to three different heights. Which travel pillow suits your needs? The travel pillow really depends on the kind of travel you will be doing, whether you will be carrying bigger luggages or just a suitcase. 

Why Are Travel Pillows Important?

Travel pillows are very important to keep when traveling because you never know when  a flight attendant will come around asking to make sure that your seat is upright. Having a travel pillow lets you travel in comfort as there are travel pillows that can be adjusted to three different heights so you can travel with maximum comfort. There are travel pillows made from memory foam.

The travel pillow should also have a soft cover, like microfiber and it needs to have an adjustable strap so that you can adjust the height of the travel pillow.  A travel pillow could either be too narrow or too wide for your neck, but if it is adjustable, then this should not be a problem.

One type of travel pillow most people prefer is inflatable travel pillows since they are easy to carry around and they pretty much take very little room  in your travel bag. You will notice that travel pillows made from memory foam provide a snug, comfortable fit around your neck and head. The travel pillow could also be useful for people who have discomfort in their necks after long trips, but you should talk to your doctor about this first.

A travel pillow is a travel accessory you don't want to travel without; especially if it's the best travel pillow out there. Try some of the other types of inflatable travel pillows, like the InteVision travel pillow which has an air valve system that allows you to adjust.

How to Choose the Best Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow is generally one that is comfortable, easy to adjust and easy to clean. For your travel pillow, choose one that you feel most comfortable in. Usually this means choosing a U or C shaped travel pillow since it adapts well to your neck and head when sleeping while traveling. Since these travel pillows usually cover the top of your head as well as part of your shoulders, keep in mind where you are going to rest your head so you will not travel with a travel pillow that is too big for your destination.

You should also choose travel pillows that are easy to clean, especially if you are traveling in airplanes and other public places. Your travel pillow may be used by several people so it is important that you have something that can be easily washed or disinfected. Most travel pillows have removable covers which makes them very easy to wash and disinfect. This is good because these pillows get dirty from the oils of different people's skin, their hair and sometimes even their breath.

What Makes a Good Travel Pillow?

Finding the best travel pillow involves more than comfort--it requires looking at how comfortable the neck support itself is. If possible, try out travel pillows that you know will  be the travel pillow you travel with. You may need to look around for travel pillows that are comfortable but durable and travel pillows in different shapes so that you can find the one that is right for your travel style .

If possible, ask whether you can take a travel pillow out of the box and try it on before buying. A good travel pillow should be able to stay up when placed behind your neck and it should provide support without driving into your chin or causing pain while sleeping in an airplane seat.

The Materials They Are Made From Make a Difference Too!

In looking at travel pillows, check out what they are made from because this will affect how much they weigh and whether they get dirty easily. Some travel pillows are softer than others because they're filled with foam, down, or even indented rod supports. Others are hard with little to give to them.

Most travel pillows are made from urethane foam that is meant to keep its shape. This material easily compresses so it's not comfortable if you have a lot of hair like me and your hair gets caught in the travel pillow! 

A travel pillow should be soft enough to allow for adjustments but firm enough to remain supportive throughout travel sleep. Soft fabrics like terry cloth add a level of comfort but may not provide support if they do not have internal structure. Also, adjustability is important because neck and head shapes vary widely among people. If a travel pillow can't be adjusted during travel, then it won't work.

There are travel pillows that include a pouch. These travel pillows can be quite versatile because they can be used as travel pillowcases or travel pillow bags. This travel pillow design is convenient for travelers who are constantly packing and unpacking their travel gear. The only problem with this design is that it may not fit in with the décor of your hotel room. That really depends on how quickly you travel though and whether or not you stay at hotels that have any kind of décor to speak of!

The biggest advantage travel pillows give you over regular pillows is portability. If you don't like carrying things around, using a travel pillow might not seem all that attractive to you, especially if these days we're encouraged more than ever to travel light because  we can travel cheaply.

But travel pillows do give you more comfort than regular pillows. They support your neck and head throughout the journey, which is something that travel naturally does not do because of all the bumps in the road you have to endure when travelling long distances.

A Travelers Best Friend

Some travel pillows come with their own storage bags, so they'll be easier to carry around without attracting too much attention. And there are travel pillows available for kids as well if you're travelling with a family! 

Finding the right travel pillow  is not all that hard. But if you travel quite often, you should get the very best travel pillow your money can buy!

When your head is supported properly during travel, even airline travel , it means less fatigue for you and more comfort too. Plus, travel pillows are also way cheaper than getting a neck massage at the airport! So why not invest in one?

If travel becomes easy with travel pillows, then why wouldn't we classify travel pillows as "things every traveler must carry''? And negative issues like neck pain caused by long hours of travel can be reduced to nothing when travelling with a travel pillow. Keep these tips in mind, however, your travels will be more comfortable than ever!