Given its price point ranging from $45 to $25,000 an ounce and its reputation as a luxury food, it’s safe to say that caviar is meant to be enjoyed. For these reasons, it’s worthwhile to know how to maximize your culinary pleasure when eating caviar, and to savor every last morsel there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

From serving it chilled or at room temperature, pairing it with champagne or ice-cold vodka, and choosing between a silver or mother-of-pearl spoon, the etiquette of eating caviar can be a bit confusing. However, there are some non-negotiables when it comes to caviar like not serving it in a metal bowl and certainly not chewing it.

While chewing may seem like the best way to get the full flavor of your meal, when it comes to caviar you shouldn’t chew but rather let it melt in your mouth, only moving it around with your tongue to get its full effect. Allowing caviar to melt in your mouth helps maximize its rich butteriness and balance out the food’s salty and fishy flavors.