When is mozzarella ‘real’?
Do you think mozzarella is always a bland, cheap ball of cheese? That’s probably because you’ve never tasted real mozzarella. Made from buffalo milk and packed with flavor. But what are you actually buying at the supermarket? Fake mozzarella?
When we talk about real mozzarella, we mean traditional buffalo mozzarella: a bright-white ball made from the milk of a water buffalo, with a firm texture and a full, creamy flavor. You won’t always find it in the average Dutch supermarket, or there may only be one variety.
Tested: this is the tastiest (and most disgusting!) mozzarella from the supermarket
Compared with all other mozzarella cheeses, the buffalo ball is also quite pricey. Here’s why: the animals produce little milk—this milk contains more protein and calcium than cow’s milk—and only a small number of (Italian) specialists can turn it into mozzarella.
Real mozzarella: check the packaging
If you spot the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana logo on the packaging, you know you’re holding traditional buffalo mozzarella. Made exclusively from buffalo milk, which producers process into an edible ball of mozzarella within a day. The name mozzarella comes from ‘mozzare’—to cut off—and refers to cutting off the elastic curd when shaping the balls. The elasticity develops because the curdled milk is kneaded with the addition of hot water. Just a little side note.
The fact that this logo was ever created means that it isn’t a given that you’re always dealing with traditional buffalo mozzarella. Even if you think you are. Many producers try to cut costs by mixing the milk with cow’s milk, and then still put the Mozzarella di Bufala stamp on it. That’s not allowed.
Cow’s milk mozzarella
There are also plenty of producers—most of them, in fact—who make mozzarella exclusively from cow’s milk (or worse, milk powder!) There’s plenty of cow’s milk, so it’s nice and cheap. That’s not wrong. Mozzarella fior di latte is a type of mozzarella officially recognized in Italy, so it can’t necessarily be called fake. It contains less fat and less salt, which makes its flavor very mild. Perfect for pizza, then. Or for making fried mozzarella balls with spicy dip. And that mozzarella di bufala? It’s best enjoyed without too much fuss (for example, in this delicious mozzarella salad).
Make mozzarella yourself
No plans for this weekend yet? You can make mozzarella yourself—very easily, in fact. With just a few ingredients and a good dose of patience, we explain step by step how to make this creamy treat yourself.
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