They’re both Mozzarella, so are Fresh Mozzarella and regular Mozzarella the same thing? Is regular mozzarella somehow less fresh?
The Short Answer:
Fresh Mozzarella and Regular Mozzarella are the same cheese but prepared differently.
The Long Answer:
As an Italian American, I love me some Mozzarella, but I’ve always been fascinated by the texture and taste of what is known as“fresh mozzarella.” As a child, once I learned that this was a thing, I started to think of regular mozzarella as dirty or somehow rotten since it wasn’t “fresh.”
I was both right and wrongin this regard.
Fresh mozzarella is a pillowy and moist white cheese that usually comes in the form of a ball. Fresh mozzarella is usually packed in water or hand wrapped in plastic wrap. It has a veryhigh moisture content and as suchcomes with a relatively short shelf life. Typically, it’s a good idea to eat fresh mozzarella within a week of its creation. Unlike the more common form of this cheese, it’s not as easily melted, and often turns into a soupy puddle when heated. This won’t do well in poutine or on nachos, but it goes great on Neapolitan pizza.
While this product was originally made from buffalo’s milk in Italy, it has since transitioned into being made from the far more common cow’s milk. However, there are many old Italians who still insist that all fresh mozzarella comes from buffalos.
What we’re calling “regular’ mozzarella is actually just a low moisture version of this cheese. It is made from souring fresh mozzarella for a longer period oftime and drying it out. It is because of its lower moisture count that fresh mozzarella tastes saltier than its fresh counterpart. It also has a longer shelf life, which is what makes it more appealing for mass production and consumption. This is the kind ofmozzarella found in mozzarella sticks and on pizza. The low moisture within the cheese makes it more susceptible to browning and stretching when heated.
Do you prefer fresh mozzarella or regular mozzarella? Is it a part of your keto diet? What is your favorite cheesy recipe? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
FAQs
The simple melty mozzarella that we're familiar with is the “low-moisture” variety, usually mass-produced in machines from cow's milk and briefly dried. It keeps longer and melts beautifully, but is vastly different from fresh, handmade mozzarella that oozes whey and can make a pizza soupy.
Does fresh mozzarella melt like regular mozzarella? ›
The simple melty mozzarella that we're familiar with is the “low-moisture” variety, usually mass-produced in machines from cow's milk and briefly dried. It keeps longer and melts beautifully, but is vastly different from fresh, handmade mozzarella that oozes whey and can make a pizza soupy.
Is fresh mozzarella better than packaged? ›
Processed mozzarella is better for melting
But that low-moisture distinction is what makes it better for some applications than fresh. According to Kitchn, processed mozzarella is aged longer, which improves its shelf life and adds a stronger flavor than the creamier fresh version.
Is fresh or shredded mozzarella better for pizza? ›
Shredded mozzarella, aka low-moisture mozzarella, is saltier, tangier, and more flavorful than whole balls of fresh mozzarella. And because it has less moisture, shredded mozzarella melts much better when heated; it bubbles, softens, and oozes, creating a tantalizing texture and taste.
Does all mozzarella taste the same? ›
Bufala mozzarella translates to buffalo mozzarella, which is what makes this cheese unique. Instead of being made from cow's milk, bufala mozzarella is made with milk from Italian buffaloes. The flavor profile is considerably different, adding a tangier and richer taste than regular mozzarella.
Can you substitute fresh mozzarella for regular mozzarella? ›
The Short Answer: Fresh Mozzarella and Regular Mozzarella are the same cheese but prepared differently.
Why doesn't my fresh mozzarella melt? ›
Excess Moisture Content
Fresh mozzarella does not melt well because it is stored in brine. Because of the high moisture content, fresh mozzarella releases water when it melts.
What is the difference between fresh mozzarella and regular mozzarella? ›
Whereas fresh mozzarella is packaged as balls in liquid for near-term consumption, traditional mozzarella (also known as aged, block or processed mozzarella) is packaged dry in blocks—or in cubes, chunks, sticks, slices or shreds that have been cut from blocks—for less immediate consumption.
Why does fresh mozzarella have no taste? ›
Why does fresh mozzarella have no taste? It does have taste, just very mild. If you fail to appreciate it, then go buy some more intensely flavored cheese. I recommend limburger, Sap Sago, Vermont extra sharp, or if you're still unimpressed by the intensity of the flavor, casu martzu.
What kind of mozzarella is best for pizza? ›
For pure meltability, nothing beats low-moisture mozzarella. While fresh mozz exudes water as it melts and becomes more soupy than melty, The best low-moisture mozzarella should stretch and stretch, yet still remain dry enough that the pizza crust remains intact.
You can freeze mozzarella cheese in shredded and block form for 3 to 6 months. Fresh mozzarella, like buffalo mozzarella, is not recommended for freezing due to texture and flavor changes. If frozen, it may last for about 1 to 2 months at most.
Can you use fresh mozzarella in lasagna? ›
Lasagna alla mozzarella, which includes fresh mozzarella and luxurious besciamella white sauce, is simple to put together and also quick to cook if you use "oven-ready" sheets of lasagna that don't need to be boiled before assembling and baking.
Why is fresh mozzarella so expensive? ›
Prices vary slightly from producer to producer and milk source, with buffalo's milk being more expensive than cow's milk mozzarella. The milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo is three times more expensive than cow's milk and is costly to ship, which is reflected in its price.
Does fresh mozzarella melt in sauce? ›
The softer and milkier your cheese is to begin with, the more it will melt and run, while firm varieties, usually those that have been salted, will retain more of their shape. Both types work well here. Firm mozzarella will give you pockets of supple but not-quite-melted cheese.
What cheese is like mozzarella but better? ›
Burrata has similar flavor notes as fresh mozzarella cheese, but with a more decadent, concentrated milky taste and a sweetness that's reminiscent of rich cream.
Does fresh mozzarella melt well for pasta? ›
The softer and milkier your cheese is to begin with, the more it will melt and run, while firm varieties, usually those that have been salted, will retain more of their shape. Both types work well here. Firm mozzarella will give you pockets of supple but not-quite-melted cheese.
What is the melting point of fresh mozzarella? ›
For example, high moisture cheeses like Mozzarella melt around 130 ˚F and low moisture cheeses like Swiss melt at 150 ˚F 2.
Does fresh mozzarella melt on pizza? ›
A Last-Minute Addition. Fresh mozzarella only takes a few minutes to melt, and once it melts if it continues to sit on the pizza as it bakes, the cheese will start releasing moisture.
Is fresh mozzarella mushy? ›
There's 2 types of mozzarella, fresh and hard (also called low moisture). Fresh mozzarella is soft and packaged with whey or brine, it tears easily and can be squished between your fingers. It has a relatively short shelf life, usually within a couple of weeks of purchase.
