either the mass of eggs of a female fish (hard roe) or the mass of sperm, or milt, of a male fish (soft roe), considered as food. The most prized of hard roes is that of the sturgeon, from which caviar (q.v.) is made. The eggs of a number of fish are eaten, often after having been salted or smoked. Smoked cod roe is popular in Great Britain; tarama, salted carp roe, is the base of taramasalata, a Greek appetizer spread. Soft roes can be poached or sautéed and are sometimes served as hors d'oeuvres or light entrées. Other fish roes especially prized are those of herring, mackerel, mullet, salmon, shad, and sole. Sea urchin roe is a local delicacy of coastal areas, eaten raw or lightly cooked.