What Is ‘Albany Beef?’ It’s The Complete Opposite Of What You Think!

Of all the things that we associate with Albany, beef is probably the last thing you think of.

The Empire State Plaza, Lark Street, the Capitol Building, and the USS Slater are probably a few of the things you associate with the city of Albany when talking about the capital city.

But beef? It is probably the last thing on your mind. But, believe it or not, Albany beef used to be a thing. Yes, it is food, but not what you think.

Maybe some sort of special red meat dish is the first thing that came to mind when you read 'Albany Beef.' But it is the complete opposite!

Albany Beef is actually a pre-historic fish that used to be plentiful in the Hudson River! According to Tasting Table, in the 1700s and 1800s Albany beef was another name for sturgeon. At the time the fish were so plentiful in the Hudson River it was a super popular dinner dish in Albany and it was much more affordable than other meats like beef or chicken. The sturgeon was very popular in local boarding homes and the highly regarded caviar was practically given away!

Taste of Home says populations in the Hudson eventually dwindled due to overfishing and these days the sturgeon is an endangered species, and they are far from a cheap meal. Their caviar can now go for $172 a teaspoon. When that affordable price went away, so eventually did the popularity of Albany beef.