A tale of two cheeses: Mozzarella's classic charm vs. burrata's luxury
Mozzarella is likely the most popular Italian cheese. You can find it in every store, and we often enjoy its benefits. Recently, burrata has also been gaining popularity. It looks quite similar but has slightly different uses.
Mozzarella and burrata are two Italian cheeses that have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Although they look similar, they differ in taste, texture, and history. Mozzarella 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 creation, crafted only in the 1950s in Apulia and produced exclusively in this region. Cheese makers used leftover mozzarella to create this entirely creamy cheese.
Mozzarella or burrata? There are some fundamental differences
Mozzarella has a delicate flavour, making it an ideal addition to many dishes; for example, it's 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's usually produced in the form of a ball, but you can also buy it shredded to sprinkle on pizza or casseroles.
Burrata, on the other hand, consists of two layers. The outer layer is essentially solidified mozzarella, while the inside is a blend of cream and stracciatella. The process of making it is longer and more complicated, which explains its higher cost. Burrata is perfect for salads, especially those featuring tomatoes, and it also pairs well with meats and fruits.
Burrata is the exquisite sister of mozzarella
Burrata is more exclusive and of higher quality. It tastes best raw, thanks to the cream in the middle, while mozzarella can be heated. Burrata has a more intense and richer flavour. You'll also notice the difference in nutritional values. Mozzarella has 24 grams of protein per 100 grams, while burrata has only 18 grams. It's the opposite with fat content; mozzarella contains 20%, whereas burrata has as much as 35%. This makes the "younger sister" more calorie-dense, with 380 calories compared to 280 calories for mozzarella.
Mozzarella and burrata are two exceptional cheeses that are almost completely different from each other. 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.
