Taranka: the Ukrainian dried roach with roe

What taranka is, how it is made and how to eat it. Real Ukrainian dried roach with roe, shipped to the USA and Canada.

What is taranka?

Taranka is roach — a small freshwater and Azov–Black Sea fish — salted whole and dried slowly in the open air. In Ukraine it is the classic snack for long evenings, football and cold drinks. The best taranka is caught in spring, when the female fish carry a full sac of roe.

How it is made

The fish are salted whole for several days, rinsed and hung to dry in fresh air for one to three weeks. Nothing else is added: just fish, salt, air and time. The result is firm, savoury meat and amber roe with a deep, salty flavour.

What it tastes like

Salty and savoury, with a slightly sweet, nutty roe. The back fillet is firm, the belly is richer, and the roe is the part most people save for last.

How much to order

One fish weighs 100–200 g. A 500 g pack is a good start for two or three people; 1 kg is the usual choice for a party or for keeping in the fridge.

Frequently asked questions

Is taranka the same as vobla?

They are close relatives. Taranka is the Azov–Black Sea roach traditional in Ukraine; vobla is the Caspian roach. Both are salted and air-dried and are eaten the same way.

Does taranka need to be cooked?

No. It is ready to eat — just peel the skin and tear the meat from the bones.

How long does it keep?

Vacuum-sealed packs keep for months in a cool place; after opening, keep it in the fridge wrapped in paper.

Do you ship taranka to the USA and Canada?

Yes. We dispatch from Ukraine within 1–5 days after payment, by courier with a tracking number.