Kamil Perry
Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese with a high water content, and it is best consumed fresh. The best way to store it depends on the type of mozzarella, how long you want to store it for, and personal preference. Fresh mozzarella is best consumed within a week of purchase, while shredded mozzarella can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening, and loaf mozzarella can be stored for 21 days. If you want to store mozzarella for a longer period, freezing is an option, but this can change the texture and taste of the cheese.
Storing Mozzarella Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage time for fresh mozzarella | 5 days |
| Storage time for unopened mozzarella | 3 weeks |
| Storage time for loaf mozzarella | 21 days |
| Storage time for smoked mozzarella | 28 days |
| Storage time for frozen mozzarella | 3-4 months |
| Fridge temperature | 34-40 °F (1-4 °C) |
| Ideal mozzarella serving temperature | Room temperature |
| Time to take mozzarella out before serving | 1 hour |
| Ideal storage place in the fridge | Middle shelf, warmest spot, or crisper drawer |
| Packaging | Airtight container, plastic wrap, tin foil, freezer bag, paper |
| Packaging liquid | Whey, water, or olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Storing mozzarella in the fridge
Mozzarella is a soft, Southern Italian cheese with a high water content, which means it is best consumed fresh. Fresh mozzarella is typically found in round balls and packed in liquid rather than in dry, sealed bags. If you have leftover mozzarella, storing it in the fridge is a good option.
When storing fresh mozzarella in the fridge, it is important to keep it in its original container of liquid, which is usually whey, a byproduct of the cheese-making process. If the liquid level gets low, you can top it off with filtered water and a bit of salt, although this is usually not necessary. This helps to prevent the cheese from drying out and maintains its smooth, soft texture.
If your mozzarella was vacuum-packed, it is recommended to transfer it to a bowl of cold water or an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in the warmest spot in your fridge, such as the middle shelf.
It is best to consume fresh mozzarella within a few days of purchasing, as it will lose some of its freshness and milky texture once refrigerated. The recommended storage time in the fridge is up to 5 days, but it can be kept for up to 3 weeks if unopened.
While you can freeze mozzarella, it is not recommended as it will change the texture and flavour. Frozen mozzarella can become crumbly and develop water crystals, affecting its smooth, creamy texture.
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Freezing mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft cheese with a high water content, which means it can be prone to freezer burn and changes in texture when frozen. However, it can be frozen, and there are several methods to do so.
Firstly, freezing mozzarella is best done with low-moisture mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella has a high water content, which can form crystals when frozen, ruining the texture and making it crumbly. Low-moisture mozzarella is a more popular choice for freezing as it has a longer shelf life and is better for melting. If you are using fresh mozzarella, it is recommended to pat it down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before freezing.
Secondly, when freezing mozzarella, it is important to wrap it tightly to keep air away from the cheese. You can use plastic wrap, cling film, or aluminium foil. For best results, double up on the wrapping by adding a layer of foil over the initial wrapping. Then, place the wrapped cheese in a freezer bag. It is also recommended to label the bag with the date and type of cheese.
Thirdly, when it comes to defrosting frozen mozzarella, it is best to move it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. This will minimise condensation and prevent moisture from accumulating on the cheese, which can give it an odd texture. For larger chunks of cheese, it is recommended to place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. Shredded mozzarella does not need time to thaw and can be used directly from the freezer.
Lastly, it is important to note that freezing mozzarella will impact its texture and taste. It is best to use frozen mozzarella in recipes that require melting or heating, as this can help cover up any textural changes. Overall, while it is possible to freeze mozzarella, it may not be the best option if you are looking to preserve the original texture and taste of the cheese.
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Storing mozzarella in liquid
Fresh mozzarella is often packaged in liquid, and you can store your leftovers the same way. If your mozzarella comes packaged in water, you can store it in water. If it comes in brine (water and salt), store it in brine.
If you're unsure, try to replicate the liquid your cheese came in. If you store your mozzarella in plain water when it was originally stored in brine, the water will draw salt from the cheese, changing the taste. The same is true if you store a brined mozzarella in plain water.
If your mozzarella came packaged in liquid, you should replace it if it starts to smell funky. Taste the liquid, and if it's plain water, change it regularly to prevent the cheese from getting slimy and to stop it from going rancid. If the liquid is brine, you don't need to change it as often.
If you buy unsalted mozzarella and store it in salted water, transfer the whole bowl or container to the counter when you're ready to serve it. Pour a little warm water into the cold liquid and let everything sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you're storing mozzarella in liquid, make sure to change the liquid regularly and taste it before it gets to the point of smelling funky.
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Storing shredded mozzarella
Firstly, if your shredded mozzarella came in a resealable bag or tub, simply seal it up in the packaging it came in. If it did not come in a resealable package, transfer it to an airtight bag or container.
Next, store the shredded mozzarella in the crisper drawer of your fridge. This drawer has a different level of humidity compared to the rest of the fridge, which will help to keep the cheese from drying out.
Finally, eat the mozzarella within 21 days of opening it. Shredded mozzarella has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella, but it will still go bad eventually.
If you want to store shredded mozzarella for longer than 21 days, you can try freezing it. However, freezing mozzarella will change its texture and moisture content, so it is not recommended. If you do choose to freeze it, cut the cheese into portions, wrap each piece in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag.
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How long mozzarella lasts
Fresh mozzarella is best consumed on the same day it is purchased. However, if stored properly, it can last for a few more days.
Unopened fresh mozzarella can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Once opened, it will stay fresh for about 5 days. However, some sources suggest that it is best to consume it within 2 to 4 days of opening. To store opened fresh mozzarella, keep it in its original container of liquid or transfer it to a bowl of cold water if it was vacuum-packed. Place it on the middle shelf of the fridge, ideally in the crisper drawer, and maintain a temperature between 34 and 40 °F (1 and 4 °C).
Mozzarella should not be frozen, as it will change the texture and taste. However, if you choose to freeze it, cut it into portions, wrap each piece in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. Frozen mozzarella will last for about 3 to 4 months but will have a crumbly texture.
Loaf mozzarella has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 21 days after opening, while smoked mozzarella will keep for 28 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh mozzarella is best consumed at room temperature on the same day it's purchased. However, if you want to store it, keep it immersed in cold water or olive oil in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Shredded mozzarella has a longer shelf life than fresh mozzarella and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening. Seal it in its original packaging or an airtight bag or container.
You can freeze mozzarella, but it will change the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly instead of smooth and creamy. Cut the cheese into desired portions, wrap them in aluminium foil or plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen mozzarella will last for three to four months.
