Mozzarella vs. burrata: Exploring Italy's iconic cheese duo
Mozzarella is probably the most popular Italian cheese. It can be found in every store, and many people enjoy its delicious qualities. Recently, burrata has also been gaining popularity. It looks quite similar but is used in slightly different ways.
Mozzarella and burrata are two Italian cheeses that have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Despite their similar appearance, they differ in taste, texture, and history. The first cheese was known to the ancient Romans. Initially, it was made from buffalo milk, and later from cow's milk. It quickly became an indispensable element of Italian cuisine. Burrata is a relatively new invention, created only in the 1950s in Apulia, and is still produced exclusively in this region. The cheese makers used leftover mozzarella to create an entirely creamy cheese.
Mozzarella or burrata? fundamental differences
Mozzarella has a delicate flavor, making it an ideal addition to many dishes. For example, it works great on pizza. It's a rennet cheese made by curdling milk. The traditional version is made from buffalo milk, but cow's milk is most commonly used. It has a stretchy texture and melts evenly when heated. It is most often produced in the form of a ball, but you can also frequently find it shredded for sprinkling on pizza or casserole.
Burrata, on the other hand, consists of two layers. The outer layer is solidified mozzarella, while the inside combines cream and stracciatella. The process of making it is longer and more complicated, which is why it costs more. Burrata is perfect for salads, especially those featuring tomatoes. It also pairs well with meats and fruits.
"Burrata is the exquisite sister of mozzarella"
Katarzyna Bosacka intriguingly compared the two cheeses on her Instagram. She points out that burrata is more exclusive and of higher quality. In her video, she adds that it tastes best raw, thanks to the cream in the middle, while mozzarella can be heated. Burrata has a more intense and richer flavor. You'll also notice the difference in nutritional values. Mozzarella has 24 grams of protein per 100 grams, while burrata has only 18 grams. The reverse is true with fat content: mozzarella contains 20 percent, and burrata has as much as 35 percent. All this makes the "younger sister" more caloric, with 380 calories compared to 280 for mozzarella.
Mozzarella and burrata are two exceptional cheeses that are almost completely different. Both have their place in Italian cuisine and on the tables of food lovers worldwide. The choice between them depends on personal preferences and the type of dish they will accompany. However, one could say that mozzarella and burrata belong to the same cheese family.