Randy Chandler
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk or buffalo milk. It is aged for 14 to 28 days, resulting in a white, mild, and creamy cheese with a hint of saltiness. Mozzarella cheese is commonly used in dishes such as pizza and salads. When it comes to mozzarella cheese pearls, a serving of 4 ounces (around 113 grams) typically contains 70 calories and 3% carbohydrates, which equates to approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella cheese is made from cow's or buffalo milk
Mozzarella cheese pearls have a very low carbohydrate content, with 4 oz of fresh mozzarella pearls containing only 3% carbs. In fact, some sources state that 100 grams of mozzarella pearls contain 0 grams of total carbohydrates.
Mozzarella cheese is traditionally made from the milk of Italian Mediterranean water buffalo. This type of mozzarella is called "mozzarella di bufala" or "mozzarella di bufala campana" and is considered a delicacy. The water buffalo's digestive system allows them to produce rich milk with a higher percentage of solids, resulting in higher levels of protein, fat, and minerals compared to cow's milk.
However, it is important to note that mozzarella can also be made from cow's milk. While this variety may be labelled as "buffalo mozzarella" in Italy due to contradictory laws, it is technically called "fior di latte". Mozzarella made from cow's milk tends to be sweeter and milder in taste compared to its buffalo milk counterpart, which has a tangier and slightly sourer flavour.
The process of making mozzarella cheese involves treating the milk and allowing it to curdle before stretching and shaping it. This tradition of making mozzarella, especially with buffalo milk, originated in central and southern Italy, specifically in the regions of Campania, Lazio, Apulia, and Molise. Today, buffalo mozzarella from Campania bears the trademark "mozzarella di bufala campana" and is protected by the European Union as a designated product of that origin.
In summary, mozzarella cheese pearls have a negligible amount of carbohydrates, contributing very little to the daily value of carbs. Mozzarella cheese itself can be made from either cow's milk or buffalo milk, with the buffalo milk variety being considered more authentic and flavourful, especially when paired with tomatoes and basil.
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Fresh mozzarella is packed in water and aged for 14-28 days
Mozzarella cheese pearls typically contain very few carbs. One serving of BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Pearls contains 1g of total carbs, while a 100g serving of generic mozzarella pearls contains 0g of total carbs.
Fresh mozzarella cheese is distinct from aged mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella is packed in water and aged for 14-28 days. This process results in a white, misshapen ball of cheese with a soft texture that can still be sliced or grated. It has a high water content, which makes it lower in fat than aged mozzarella. Aged mozzarella comes in blocks or shredded form.
The mild and creamy flavour of fresh mozzarella is slightly salty and can be further seasoned to individual taste. Its soft texture and mild taste make it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Fresh mozzarella is often used in salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, adding a creamy and chewy element to the meal.
Mozzarella cheese pearls, being a type of fresh mozzarella, are also packed in water. They are small, round balls of mozzarella that are typically used as a convenient and aesthetically pleasing addition to dishes like caprese skewers, salads, and charcuterie boards. Their size and shape make them easy to skewer or toothpick, and they provide a bite-sized burst of cheesy flavour.
The low-carb and high-protein nature of mozzarella cheese pearls make them a popular choice for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. They can be easily incorporated into meals or enjoyed as a quick and nutritious snack. When purchasing mozzarella cheese pearls, consumers can look for brands like BelGioioso, which offers an all-natural product made from local milk with no added hormones, antibiotics, or preservatives.
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Aged mozzarella comes in blocks or shredded
Mozzarella cheese pearls are a type of fresh mozzarella packaged in balls or logs and stored in water, brine, or whey to maintain their soft texture. They are typically made from water buffalo's milk, though they can also be made from cow's milk. These cheese pearls have a soft, creamy consistency and a rich, sweet, and slightly sour flavour.
Mozzarella cheese pearls contain very few carbohydrates. In a 100-gram serving, there are 246 calories, with 11 grams of total fat and zero grams of total carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and sugars. However, another source suggests that in 4 ounces (approximately 113 grams), there are 70 calories with a macronutrient breakdown of 3% carbs, 67% fat, and 30% protein. This indicates that mozzarella cheese pearls contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates, contributing to only a small percentage of the total macronutrient composition.
Aged mozzarella, also known as traditional mozzarella, differs from the fresh variety in terms of texture, flavour, and moisture content. It is packaged dry in blocks, cubes, chunks, sticks, slices, or shreds, intended for longer-term consumption. The texture of aged mozzarella is firmer, and its flavour is saltier due to added sodium. Its lower moisture content makes it more meltable, which is advantageous for cooking applications where melting is desired, such as in pizzas or grilled dishes.
Aged mozzarella, when purchased in blocks, can be cut into various shapes, such as cubes, chunks, sticks, or slices, depending on the intended use and personal preference. Shredding is another popular option, as it prepares the cheese for use in recipes that call for melted cheese, such as casseroles, pasta dishes, or toppings for dishes like lasagna or baked ziti. Shredded mozzarella can also be mixed with other shredded cheeses to create a blend for flavour enhancement or cost efficiency.
The process of shredding aged mozzarella involves grating the firm cheese block using a cheese grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. This creates thin, elongated strands of cheese that melt easily and evenly when heated. Shredded mozzarella can be purchased pre-shredded or freshly shredded at home or in commercial kitchens. When shredding at home, it is important to start with a firm block of aged mozzarella, as fresh mozzarella may be too soft and yield larger, uneven shreds.
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Mozzarella pearls are 3% carbs
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-soft, mild-flavoured cheese made from cow's milk or buffalo milk. It is usually aged for 14 to 28 days and has a high water content, which makes it lower in fat than other cheeses. Fresh mozzarella comes packed in water and is a white, misshapen ball, while aged mozzarella comes in blocks or shredded.
Mozzarella cheese pearls are a convenient and tasty snack, side dish, or ingredient. They are small, white balls of fresh mozzarella cheese that are often sold in a container of water to keep them moist and fresh. These pearls have a similar nutritional profile to other forms of fresh mozzarella cheese.
One serving of mozzarella cheese pearls (approximately 1 oz or 28g) contains around 70 calories. The macronutrient breakdown of this serving size is 3% carbs, 67% fat, and 30% protein. This means that out of the 70 calories, 2.1 are from carbohydrates, 46.9 from fat, and 21 from protein.
The low carbohydrate content of mozzarella cheese pearls makes them a good option for people following low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet. They are also a good source of protein and calcium, which can help promote muscle health and strong bones.
It is important to note that the carbohydrate content of mozzarella cheese pearls may vary slightly between brands, so it is always a good idea to check the nutrition label on the specific product you are consuming to get the most accurate information.
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100g of mozzarella pearls contain 0g of total sugar
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-soft, mild-flavoured cheese made from cow's milk or buffalo milk. It is aged for 14 to 28 days, after which it develops a white body that can be sliced or grated. Fresh mozzarella comes packed in water and is a misshapen ball with a high water content and lower fat content.
Mozzarella cheese pearls are small, bite-sized pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese. They are often used in salads, snacks, or as a topping for pizzas and pasta dishes.
In terms of nutritional value, 100g of mozzarella pearls contain 0g of total sugar. This serving size also contains 246 calories, 11g of total fat, and 18g of protein.
It's important to note that the nutritional information for mozzarella cheese pearls may vary slightly depending on the brand and the specific product. For example, 4 oz (approximately 113g) of BelGioioso mozzarella cheese pearls contains 70 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 3% carbs, 67% fat, and 30% protein. This equates to approximately 1g of total carbohydrates per serving. Therefore, while 100g of mozzarella pearls may contain 0g of total sugar, smaller serving sizes could contribute a small amount of carbohydrates to your daily intake.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 0 grams of total carbohydrates in 100 grams of mozzarella cheese pearls.
Yes, while there are 0 grams of total sugars, there are still 0.3 grams of carbs per 4 oz serving (3% of total macronutrients).
BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella All-Natural Pearls Cheese is a low-carb option, with 1 gram of total carbs per 1-oz serving.
Yes, mozzarella cheese pearls also contain protein and fat. In a 4 oz serving, there are 5 grams of protein (30% of total macronutrients) and 5 grams of fat (67% of total macronutrients).
Yes, while fresh mozzarella cheese pearls have very few carbs, aged mozzarella cheese has a higher carb content due to its lower water content.
