How to Store Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that originated in Southern Italy. Mozzarella cheese is made using a cheese-making technique known as pasta filata. Cheesemakers heat milk with a whey starter, then add rennet to create curds. The curds are placed in fresh water and heated, then stirred until the curds become elastic and form long strings. Next, cheesemakers stretch and knead the curds, forming them into round mozzarella balls.

Traditional Italian mozzarella is made using buffalo milk from water buffalo (also known as mozzarella di bufala or buffalo mozzarella). Mozzarella can also be made with cow's milk. Mozzarella is not aged, and because of its high water content, it is best consumed fresh at room temperature.

Mozzarella is a soft cheese with a high moisture content, similar to ricotta. Compared to hard cheeses, mozzarella has a short shelf life and you should eat fresh mozzarella shortly after purchasing it. If you make fresh mozzarella or buy pre-packaged mozzarella from the grocery store, store it in the refrigerator. Store the mozzarella in an airtight container, immersed in cold water or olive oil for up to five days.

Shredded mozzarella usually has a lower water content than fresh mozzarella. This pre-packaged type of mozzarella has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella and can be kept in the refrigerator for five days after being opened.

You can freeze mozzarella, but it will change the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly instead of smooth and creamy. Additionally, the water content in the mozzarella can form crystals. If you choose to freeze mozzarella, cut the cheese into the desired portion size, wrap each piece in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and place the cheese in a freezer bag. Frozen mozzarella will keep for three to four months.

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