Mom of one human and one furry baby. Career in tech in the California Bay Area, but born and raised in Italy. Foodie at heart.
Explore the world of mozzarella cheese, from its health benefits and history to its use in various cuisines and tips for storage, in our ultimate guide.
What is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella cheese is a soft, white cheese originating from Italy. Known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and stretchy texture, it is widely used in a variety of dishes, including pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Made from cow's milk or buffalo milk, mozzarella cheese has become a staple in many cuisines around the world.
Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy?
Mozzarella cheese is considered a healthier cheese option due to its lower fat and calorie content compared to other cheeses. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.
7 Health Benefits of Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese offers several health benefits, including:
- Supports bone health: Rich in calcium, mozzarella cheese helps maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Promotes muscle growth: High-quality protein in mozzarella cheese aids in muscle repair and growth.
- Boosts immune system: Mozzarella contains zinc, which helps support a healthy immune system.
- Improves heart health: The cheese is a source of healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Aids digestion: Probiotics found in mozzarella cheese promote gut health and improve digestion.
- Supports healthy skin: Vitamin A in mozzarella cheese contributes to healthy skin and vision.
- Provides energy: B vitamins in mozzarella cheese help convert food into energy, keeping you fueled throughout the day.
History and Background of Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese dates back to the 16th century in southern Italy, where it was first made using buffalo milk. The name "mozzarella" comes from the Italian verb "mozzare," which means "to cut," referring to the process of shaping the cheese. Today, mozzarella cheese is produced worldwide, with the majority made from cow's milk.
What is the Best Way to Store Mozzarella Cheese?
To preserve its freshness and quality, mozzarella cheese should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. Fresh mozzarella should be kept in its liquid or brine to maintain its soft texture. Properly stored, mozzarella cheese can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
What Are The Different Types of Mozzarella Cheese?
There are several varieties of mozzarella cheese, including:
- Fresh mozzarella: Soft and creamy, made from cow's milk or buffalo milk.
- Low-moisture mozzarella: A firmer, drier version with a longer shelf life, commonly used for pizza.
- Smoked mozzarella: Infused with a smoky flavor through a smoking process.
- Burrata: A close relative of mozzarella, filled with cream and cheese curds.
What is the Best Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese if I Don't Have It?
If you don't have mozzarella cheese on hand, suitable substitutes include provolone, fontina, or gouda cheese, which offer similar melting properties and mild flavors.
What Cuisines Use Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella cheese is primarily associated with Italian cuisine but has also found its way into various other cuisines, such as American, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern.
What is Mozzarella Cheese Made From?
Mozzarella cheese is made from either cow's milk or buffalo milk, with the latter known as "mozzarella di bufala."
How is Mozzarella Cheese Made?
Mozzarella cheese is made by heating milk, adding rennet and starter culture, and allowing the mixture to curdle. The curds are then separated, heated, and stretched to create the signature elastic texture. The cheese is shaped into balls or logs and cooled in a brine solution.
Why is Mozzarella Cheese Used On Pizza?
Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice for pizza due to its excellent melting properties, mild flavor, and appealing stretchy texture. Its ability to create a gooey, cheesy layer makes it the perfect complement to various pizza toppings.
Conclusion
With this ultimate guide to mozzarella cheese, you're now equipped with the knowledge to enjoy and appreciate this versatile and delicious ingredient. Mozzarella cheese is a great source of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins, biotin, protein, and potassium, all of which are essential nutrients in any diet. It helps to support bone strength and can be eaten in moderation for potential health benefits. From its health benefits to its starring role on pizzas, mozzarella cheese is truly a culinary treasure.
FAQs
Mozzarella is lower in fat and sodium than many other kinds of cheese, and part-skim varieties have even less total and saturated fat. Like other cheese, mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium and contains phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for optimal health.
What are the health benefits of mozzarella cheese? ›
Mozzarella also contains bacteria that act as probiotics, including strains of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum. Studies in both animals and humans suggest that these probiotics may improve gut health and regularity, promote immunity, and decrease inflammation.
What's mozzarella cheese good for? ›
Their lower fat content makes them the best for uniform melting, and they're integral to some of our favorite mozzarella recipes, like homemade pizza, mozzarella sticks, cheesy garlic bread, and stuffed peppers. When we're looking to fancy things up though, there's nothing better than fresh mozz.
Can I eat mozzarella every day? ›
The Bottom Line. If you are not allergic to milk protein, enjoying cheese every day is probably fine—and may offer potential health benefits when eaten in moderation. Choose lower-sodium cheese if you need to watch your sodium intake due to a medical diagnosis, such as high blood pressure.
What are some fun facts about mozzarella cheese? ›
Mozzarella is all cut up.
The Italian word mozzarella is a form of the Neapolitan-dialect verb mozzare, which means “to cut off.” The name refers to the process of making mozzarella, as it's cut up twice as it cures. It's also stretched and kneaded until it becomes soft.
What is the number one healthiest cheese? ›
Which cheese is healthiest? Cottage cheese is probably the healthiest cheese, Rizzo says. “It's lower in saturated fat and higher in protein than most other cheese,” she explains.
Is mozzarella anti-inflammatory? ›
All dairy foods including milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as dairy proteins, like whey and casein, were found in several systematic reviews to be anti-inflammatory or to have a neutral effect on inflammation. Learn more about dairy's role in fighting inflammation here.
What to pair mozzarella with? ›
What accompaniments should I serve with mozzarella cheese? Fresh seasonal produce makes a great match for mozzarella. You can never go wrong with veggies like heirloom tomatoes, roasted sweet peppers, or even grilled zucchini.
Which is healthier cheddar or mozzarella? ›
If you're looking to reduce calorie and fat intake, opt for mozzarella, especially the lower-fat varieties. On the other hand, if you're seeking a cheese rich in protein and vitamin K2, cheddar is worth considering. Ultimately, the healthier option depends on your dietary needs and preferences."
How is mozzarella best eaten? ›
You can bake, fry, grill, or even add it raw to pasta dishes. You can also use mozzarella in your salads and sandwiches. It is best to serve mozzarella at room temperature. When arranging a cheeseboard, place mozzarella as the mildest option on the platter.
Some types are more likely to raise your blood pressure than others. Keep it down with cheeses that are naturally low in sodium, like Swiss, which has 75 milligrams per 1-ounce serving. Goat, ricotta, and fresh mozzarella are good, too. Processed and hard cheeses such as American and cottage cheese have more sodium.
Is mozzarella good for cholesterol? ›
It is approximately 15% of the daily allowance for those on a low-cholesterol diet. An ounce of whole mozzarella has 22 mg of cholesterol. In comparison, part-skim mozzarella cheese has only 15 mg of cholesterol. Therefore, low-fat semi-hard cheeses have the lowest cholesterol levels.
Why is mozzarella so addictive? ›
"Study Reveals that Cheese Triggers the Same Part of the Brain as Many Drugs" New research argues that cheese is addictive in a way similar to drugs because of a chemical called casein, which is found in dairy products and can trigger the brain's opioid receptors.
What is mozzarella cheese best for? ›
Mozzarella is also a perfect slicing cheese for pizzas, caprese salad and flatbreads. Melt it over toast or your favorite protein, add it to breakfast with our Sun-Dried Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Cheese quiche, or use it to top roasted vegetables. Our favorite is the Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Mozzarella and Basil.
Why you should eat mozzarella? ›
Mozzarella cheese is an excellent food choice due to its high nutritional value and versatility. It is a great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and biotin, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body. Its mild flavor and versatility make it a great addition to any meal.
What animal makes the best mozzarella? ›
Many people don't know that Mozzarella cheese is traditionally made from water buffalo milk. Mozzarella from water buffallo, or Mozzarella di Bufala is considered to be higher quality and better tasting than Mozzarella made frow cow milk.
Is fresh mozzarella the healthiest cheese? ›
It is usually made from buffalo or cow's milk. Mozzarella is relatively low in fat and calories. This makes it a healthier cheese option compared to others. Mozzarella contains probiotics such as the bacteria Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus fermentum.
What cheese is a Superfood? ›
Soft creamy cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata, brie, camembert, feta, goat's cheese and cream cheese and medium cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, wensleydale, provolone and muenster, are loaded with calcium (especially in the rind).
