Mozzarella facts for kids
Mozzarella is a yummy cheese that comes from Southern Italy. It's made in a special way called the "pasta filata" method, which means "spun paste." This makes the cheese stretchy and soft. Mozzarella is often made from the milk of Italian water buffalos, but it can also be made from cow's milk.
The European Union has special rules to protect traditional foods like mozzarella. In 1998, mozzarella got a "Traditional Specialties Guaranteed" (TSG) certification. This means that if mozzarella is sold with this label in Europe, it must be made using a very old and traditional recipe.
Types of Mozzarella
Not all mozzarella is the same! The TSG certification allows different kinds of milk to be used. In Italy, mozzarella made from the milk of the Italian water buffalo is very popular. This special kind is called Mozzarella di Bufala Campana. It has an even stronger protection called "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO). This means it can only be made in certain areas of Italy, like Campania, Lazio, Apulia, and Molise. This ensures it's truly authentic.
What Mozzarella Looks Like and How to Keep It
Fresh mozzarella is usually white. Sometimes, it might look a little bit yellow. This depends on what the animal that gave the milk ate. Because fresh mozzarella has a lot of water, it's best to eat it soon after it's made. You can keep it in salty water, called brine, for about a week. If it's in a sealed package, it might last longer.
There's also a type called "low-moisture" mozzarella. This kind has less water and can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a month. Some shredded low-moisture mozzarella can even last for six months!
How to Enjoy Mozzarella
Mozzarella is super versatile and used in many delicious dishes. It's the most common cheese you'll find on most types of pizza. It's also great in many pasta dishes. A famous Italian salad called Caprese salad uses fresh mozzarella with sliced tomatoes and basil. It's a simple, fresh, and tasty way to enjoy this cheese!
