I wouldn't trade anything else for mozzarella, especially when it comes to its authentic freshness.
Did you know that when you serve it at room temperature, you'll genuinely enjoy the milky texture and full flavor?
I believe it's not only me; however, it's without a doubt mozzarella that brings about a taste of contentment.
Talk of a gastronomical nirvana; you can never go wrong with mozzarella. However, do you know how to store fresh mozzarella? Knowing the quintessence of mozzarella will help you enjoy it much better.
To store safely fresh mozzarella, place it in a container of clean water then refrigerate it. Ensure to replace the water each day. Besides, the temperature in the fridge must remain constant, at 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Although most people believe its history starts at a place called Campania, not much is known about this cheese origin.
Initially, mozzarella was created in Italy using buffalo milk, giving it the name "Fiora di Latte."
Can you Freeze Mozzarella Cheese?
Ensuring your mozzarella remains fresh
When you purchase fresh mozzarella from a store, it will likely come in a container with liquid on the bottom. To ensure it stays moist, put it in the container.
The liquid that comes in the pack is mozzarella's byproduct, which you can replace with uncontaminated water once it dries off.
If vacuum packed, put the mozzarella in a container with cold water. Transfer the mozzarella into the refrigerator to keep it firm. For maximum freshness, change the water daily as this will keep the mozzarella from drying.
Fresh mozzarella will always resemble a round ball as compared to a loaf or block.
Put mozzarella inside the fridge and let it sit for three days. Use the middle rack of the refrigerator when storing your mozzarella.
For optimum freshness and taste, eat your mozzarella as soon as possible. Also, freezing the mozzarella will cause it to lose its freshness and flavor.
Remove the mozzarella from the fridge at least one hour before serving. You can incorporate it in pasta, pizzas, and salads.
An alternative way of storing your shredded or loaf mozzarella
Once you open your pack of mozzarella, put it in a plastic wrap. Usually, loaf mozzarella comes packed as a vacuum.
On the other hand, shredded mozzarella comes packed in a resealable tub. After using it, please put it back in its pack. In case you didn't purchase the shredded mozzarella in a reusable bag, store it in an airtight container.
Using the refrigerator's crispier rack works best when storing mozzarella as its humidity level is different from the rest of the fridge. Mostly, it's located at the bottom and is mainly used for storing veggies.
In case you haven't interfered with your cheese seal, you can put it in the freezer for crispness. Afterward, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before eating.
When served at room temperature, fresh mozzarella brings out the best taste. Hence, buying mozzarella in small amounts is advisable. In case you've not used fresh mozzarella in any of your delicacies, you're missing out.
When you visit a store, check the product date, and buy the freshest one available in the store. The time on the pack means it's the day of manufacture.
Preferably, it would be best if you consumed mozzarella on its manufactured date.
The importance of storing fresh mozzarella
Repeatedly people have said that storing mozzarella in the refrigerator causes it to lose its flavor. However, if not stored appropriately, the taste turns sour and bitter.
Some food experts advise against putting mozzarella cheese in the fridge. It’s believed that refrigeration makes the texture chewy and rubber-like.
Nevertheless, for a majority of homemakers, it isn’t practical. Below are some tricks that will come in handy when storing fresh mozzarella.
- For the pre-packaged mozzarella, spread it on a baking sheet then put in the fridge for around eight minutes. This tip will harden the cheese.
- Remove the sheet from the fridge and put it in an airtight plastic bag. Make sure you push out air from the bag before placing inside the freezer.
- If you’re the one shredding the mozzarella, add in some cornstarch to stop the cheese from sticking on each other.
Although thawed re-packaged mozzarella may be drier as compared to the fresh one, it’s okay. So what about mozzarella in brick form? You can also freeze it, and the best part is that they can stay up to five months.
To thaw, leave it in the fridge for 24 hours, and then you can still use it for another three days. Nevertheless, if you defrost it using the microwave or cold water, consume it immediately.
When the mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, it will produce excess juice when frozen, which has a high protein level.
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Tips and tricks for storing mozzarella blocks
Occasionally, you can get mozzarella without any liquid. Usually, it’s packed like the other cheese that we use.
The best thing about this type of cheese is that it has an extended shelf life because of the processing it goes through and its low water content.
Everything about refrigerating this type of mozzarella will make it your preferred choice. Some tips to put into consideration for its storage include:
- When you put the mozzarella blocks in the refrigerator after opening, it will remain fresh for up to one month.
- You can safely refrigerate closed fresh mozzarellas. It will even go past its date of expiration by three days.
- When you freeze this block cheese, it is safe for consumption up to four-month. After thawing, it will remain safe for another fortnight.
Should you freeze your mozzarella?
Freezing mozzarella is very much possible. To get the most out of frozen mozzarella, shred it and put in an airtight ziplock bag. If you can use the original wrap, it’s the best
However, it is good to know that frozen mozzarella works best with cooking and pizza. When used on the table, it wouldn’t have the initial flavor.
Don’t use water or microwave to thaw mozzarella, allow it to defrost on its own n the refrigerator for one day.
Making Fresh mozzarella
You’ll need
- A pot of boiling water
- Mozzarella curd
- A spoon
- Bowl
Method
- Shred the curd into tiny pieces and place them in the empty bowl
- Fill the jar with lukewarm clean water and dash it a little. The cold water will cool down the curd.
- Pour out the water and fill the bowl once more with room temperature water. Repeat the process until the temperature of the curd no longer makes the water go cold.
- Allow it to sit until the water in the pot begins boiling. Pour out the water in the bowl, add some hot water, and stir using a clean spoon.
- The curd will begin sticking together. Use a spoon to flatten the mixture while curving it into one whole chunk. Once it becomes cheese, take it out of the bowl and stretch it a little bit. Put it back in the water while folding and stretching. The stretching and folding helps you to get a uniform texture
- Afterward, put it in cold water to keep it from flattening. Leave it in the water for 30 minutes to allow the juices to hold together with the liquid. You now have your mozzarella.
Ways of storing your mozzarella in the pantry
As compared to all other types of cheese in the market, fresh mozzarella has the shortest shelf life. It’s advisable to use it for only a few days.
Always use the package the mozzarella came in. You’ll discover that the inside of this wrap has some salty taste. This means the cheese produces its liquid.
Also, don’t place the mozzarella in water; this will drain the flavor and salt from the cheese. After opening, use up the cheese within three days before it’s no longer fit for consumption.
How to know mozzarella is no longer safe for consumption
Checking the use-by date on your mozzarella package isn’t the best way to know when it goes bad. Similarly, the best before time informs you of the period; the mozzarella will remain fresh.
The best way to know your mozzarella is no longer safe for consumption will come from the smell. When it produces the smell of curd, it’s no longer fresh. Delicious cheese always has that mild and light scent.
Your sight will also play a role in determining if it’s time to throw away the cheese. Any trace of mold on the cheese is an indication of spoilage. Since mozzarella is white, finding traces of mold, which is green or blue, is quite easy.
Tasting a small amount will help to know if the cheese is still fresh. Do not panic. It will not make you sick.
Like all your food at home, if not correctly stored, mozzarella will get spoilt. However, it’s worth noting that as compared to any other cheese, mozzarella comes highly recommended in texture and taste.
