FoodBurrata vs mozzarella: Uncover the creamy and calorific truth

Burrata vs mozzarella: Uncover the creamy and calorific truth

Mozzarella is probably the most popular Italian cheese. You can find it in every shop, and we often enjoy its virtues. Recently, burrata has also been gaining popularity. It looks rather similar but is used slightly differently.

Mozzarella or burrata?
Mozzarella or burrata?
Images source: © Adobe Stock | barmalini
Paulina Hermann

Mozzarella and burrata are two Italian cheeses that have won the hearts of food enthusiasts around the globe. 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, as it was developed only in the 1950s in Puglia, and it is still exclusively produced there. Cheesemakers used leftover mozzarella to create an 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 works brilliantly on pizza. It is a rennet cheese made by curdling milk. The traditional variety 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 usually shaped into a ball, but you can also often buy it shredded to sprinkle on pizzas or casseroles.

Burrata, on the other hand, consists of two layers. The outer layer is simply solidified mozzarella, while the inside is a combination of cream and stracciatella. The process of making it is longer and more intricate, which is why it costs considerably more. Burrata is perfect for salads, especially those with tomatoes, and pairs well with meats and fruits.

"Burrata is the exquisite sister of mozzarella"

Katarzyna Bosacka intriguingly compared the two cheeses on her Instagram. She immediately 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 enjoyed heated. Burrata has a more intense and richer flavour. You'll also notice a 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: mozzarella contains 20 per cent, whereas burrata has as much as 35 per cent. All this makes the younger sister more calorific, with 380 calories compared to 280 calories for mozzarella.

Mozzarella and burrata are two exceptional cheeses that are quite distinct from each other. Both have their place in Italian cuisine and on the tables of food lovers around the world. The choice between them depends on personal preferences and the type of dish they are to be used with. However, one could say that mozzarella and burrata belong to the same cheese family.

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