Kamil Perry
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk or buffalo milk. It is aged for 14 to 28 days and has a mild, creamy flavour. A slice of mozzarella cheese contains around 70-85 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 0% carbs, 69% fat, and 31% protein. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a low-carb, high-fat diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70-85 |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 0% carbs, 69% fat, and 31% protein |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella cheese is made from cow's milk or buffalo milk
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese that originated in southern Italy. It is traditionally made using the pasta filata or 'stretched-curd' method. This involves separating the curds from the whey and then draining the whey from the curds. The curds are then placed in a hoop to form a solid mass. Once the pH of the curd mass reaches around 5.2–5.5, it can be stretched and kneaded to produce mozzarella's delicate consistency.
Mozzarella is made from either cow's milk or buffalo milk. When made with cow's milk, it is called mozzarella fior di latte or simply mozzarella. When made with Italian buffalo milk, it is called mozzarella di bufala campana. This variety holds the status of a protected designation of origin (PDO: 1996) under European Union law and UK law. It is made in designated areas of Campania, Lazio, Apulia, and Molise.
Mozzarella made from cow's milk is sweeter and milder in taste. It goes well with tomatoes and basil but can compete with these ingredients for flavour. In comparison, mozzarella made from buffalo milk has a stronger, tangier, almost sour taste. This variety seems to enhance the flavour of tomato and basil. Physically, buffalo milk mozzarella is a brighter white, softer, less firm, and more moist. It also has a higher butterfat content, which is why it is often used to make rich cheeses.
Mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It contains around 85 calories per ounce or per slice. However, it is also high in sodium and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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It has 70 calories per slice
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk or, occasionally, buffalo milk. It is aged for 14 to 28 days, resulting in a white body that can be sliced or grated. Fresh mozzarella is sold in water and has a white, misshapen form, whereas aged mozzarella comes in blocks or shredded. The cheese has a creamy, mild flavour and a soft texture.
A slice of mozzarella cheese typically has 70 calories. This calorie count is based on a standard serving size of one slice, which is usually a thin, deli-style slice. The calorie count may vary slightly depending on the brand and the specific slice size. However, it is important to note that the calorie content of mozzarella cheese can vary depending on its age and moisture content.
Mozzarella cheese is a nutritious food that provides a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains healthy bacteria, which are important for maintaining gut health and aiding in digestion. The cheese-making process involves raising the acidity levels in milk and converting it to lactic acid, which is necessary for forming the cheese curds.
When considering the nutritional value of mozzarella cheese, it is important to look beyond the calorie count. The cheese is a good source of fat and protein, with a typical slice providing 69% fat and 31% protein. This balance of macronutrients contributes to a feeling of fullness and can support a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
While a slice of mozzarella cheese has 70 calories, it is important to consider the overall calorie intake and nutritional needs of an individual. The recommended daily calorie intake for an average adult is 2,000 calories, and a slice of mozzarella contributes a small portion of this daily allowance. Therefore, including mozzarella cheese in a balanced diet can be enjoyable and nutritious, especially when paired with other healthy foods like vegetables and whole grains.
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It's semi-hard, semi-soft, and low-moisture
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-hard, semi-soft, and low-moisture cheese made from cow's milk or buffalo milk. It is typically aged for 14 to 28 days, resulting in a white body that can be sliced or grated. The process of making mozzarella involves twisting the curds to form a plait, cutting them into small pieces, and then stirring and heating them to separate the curds from the whey. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic stringy texture of low-moisture mozzarella.
Low-moisture mozzarella, also known as "low-moisture part-skim", is created by souring and drying fresh mozzarella. This process extends its shelf life and enhances its flavour with a saltier taste. The reduced moisture content also improves browning and stretching characteristics when heated, making it a versatile choice for cooking. This type of mozzarella is widely used in the food industry, particularly for pizzas, as it provides consistent and even melting.
Mozzarella cheese is commonly associated with the term "pasta filata," which refers to the method of stretching, heating, and kneading curd cheeses. This technique gives mozzarella its signature delicate consistency. Fresh mozzarella, on the other hand, is pillowy soft, bright white, and usually made in various ball sizes. It has a high moisture content and is perishable, lasting only about a week after production.
Low-moisture mozzarella is a versatile ingredient that can be purchased shredded, in blocks, or shredded and melted to create a variety of dishes. It is an excellent choice for pizzas due to its melting abilities and the desired browning effect. Additionally, it is ideal for creating a "cheese pull" effect in dishes like mozzarella sticks.
Mozzarella cheese has a mild, creamy flavour and is a popular ingredient in sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, such as the classic Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes and basil. Its semi-hard, semi-soft, and low-moisture characteristics make it a versatile cheese that can be sliced, grated, melted, or enjoyed fresh.
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It's aged for 14-28 days
Mozzarella cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk or, less frequently, buffalo milk. It is typically aged for 14 to 28 days, during which time it develops a soft, white body that can be sliced or grated. This ageing process is important for mozzarella's texture and flavour.
Fresh mozzarella, which has not been aged, is sold as a misshapen white ball packed in water. It has a high water content, which makes it lower in fat than aged mozzarella. On the other hand, aged mozzarella comes in blocks or shredded form.
The ageing process gives mozzarella its characteristic mild, creamy flavour with a hint of saltiness. This salty taste is one of the five basic tastes and is created by the presence of sodium chloride. Salt is a common ingredient in food and is naturally occurring in many products, such as cheese, meat, and celery. It enhances the flavour of food and is known for its addictive quality.
Mozzarella cheese is also known for its semi-soft to soft texture, depending on the moisture content. The ageing process contributes to this texture by allowing the cheese to firm up slightly while remaining soft enough to melt easily. This makes it a popular choice for dishes like pizza and sandwiches, where melted cheese is desired.
Overall, the ageing of mozzarella cheese for 14 to 28 days is crucial for developing its unique texture, flavour, and melting properties, making it a versatile and beloved cheese worldwide.
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It's high in sodium chloride (salt)
A slice of mozzarella cheese contains 85 calories. However, it is important to note that mozzarella cheese is relatively high in sodium chloride (salt). Salt is a mineral composed mostly of sodium chloride, with a chemical makeup of about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. While salt is essential for enhancing the flavour of mozzarella cheese, it also has implications for health.
Firstly, salt is added to mozzarella cheese to aid in the ageing process. In aged cheeses, salt helps control the growth of undesirable microbes. However, fresh cheeses like mozzarella do not require salt for this purpose. Instead, fresh mozzarella is often packaged in water, brine, or whey to maintain its freshness.
Secondly, while salt enhances the flavour of mozzarella cheese, excessive salt intake can lead to adverse health effects. The high sodium content of salt can cause high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. As a result, it is recommended that individuals limit their daily sodium intake. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that most people consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Therefore, when considering the sodium content of mozzarella cheese, it is essential to monitor your overall sodium intake to maintain a healthy diet.
The sodium content of mozzarella cheese varies depending on the type and brand. According to one source, a single 1-ounce serving of fresh mozzarella can contain as little as 40 milligrams of sodium. In contrast, another source reports that 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese contains approximately 160 milligrams of sodium. Meanwhile, the sodium content of low-moisture part-skim (LMPS) mozzarella was found to be higher, with a mean analytical sodium content of 666 mg/100 g. Processed cheese had the highest sodium content, with 1,242 mg/100 g.
In conclusion, while mozzarella cheese is a tasty and versatile ingredient, its relatively high sodium chloride (salt) content should be considered as part of a balanced diet. Individuals should be mindful of their overall sodium intake to maintain their health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 70-85 calories in a slice of mozzarella cheese.
There are 0.5g of carbs in a slice of mozzarella cheese, which equates to 0% of the daily recommended intake.
A slice of mozzarella contains 69% fat.
There is 5g of protein in a slice of mozzarella, which equates to 31% protein.
There are 1356 calories in a pound of mozzarella cheese.
