All that you need to know about mozzarella

The history of mozzarella

Mozzarella, the beloved Italian cheese, is without a doubt one of the most popular cheeses in the world. Its history can be traced back to Southern Italy near Naples, where it was first made using the rich milk of water buffalos in the 15th century. Mozzarella had a short shelf-life and was primarily consumed in the region where it was made because it was typically not made from pasteurized milk and, as we all know, refrigerators were not available at the time. Here at Carnevale, we started making Italian cheeses and mozzarella for pizzerie and restaurants in London since 1966

How does mozzarella taste like?

Mozzarella is a mild, smooth-textured cheese and its taste is salty with a slight sweetness and a delicate finish. The cheese has a refreshing and subtle flavor profile, and its mild taste makes it a versatile cheese that can be used in a wide range of dishes. When fresh, mozzarella has a soft and elastic texture that makes it perfect for stretching and melting on pizza or mixing into salads, that's why it's a popular ingredient in many cuisines.

How does a good mozzarella look like?

The fresh cheese presents a smooth, glossy, and ivory-white appearance. The outer surface of the mozzarella is usually moist with a semi-soft and smooth-textured interior. The cheese is commonly sold in rounded or oval shapes, varying in size from small cherry tomatoes to larger grapefruits.

What are all the mozzarella shapes?

From the traditional spheres to the small pearls, let's explore the various shapes of this delicious cheese in this paragraph.

They are all made from the same base and the same cheese but are formed into different shapes to cater to different needs in cooking. Some of the most common shapes of fresh mozzarella are called in Italian "palla" (ball), "bocconcini" (little mouthful), "perline" (pearls), "treccia" (braid) and many others that we will cover in another article. These various shapes of mozzarella cheese are ideal for a variety of cooking styles, including grilling, baking, and frying, and can be used in a wide range of dishes from pizza and caprese salads to casseroles and sandwiches. No matter what shape it takes, mozzarella is a beloved ingredient that adds rich flavor and texture to any meal.