The main difference between burrata and mozzarella is that burrata is softer and richer and has a higher fat content than mozzarella.
Burrata and mozzarella are two types of cheese that have a very similar appearance. They are soft cheese with a white color. Although there are many similarities between the two types of cheese, and they can act as substitutes for each other, there is a distinct difference between them.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Burrata
– Definition, Features
2. What is Mozzarella
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Burrata and Mozzarella
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Burrata and Mozzarella
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Burrata, Cheese, Mozzarella
What is Burrata
Burrata is a soft Italian cheese usually made from cow’s milk. Sometimes, it can be made from buffalo milk too. Most people confuse burrata with mozzarella as both have a similar appearance. This is because the outer layer of burrata is actually made from soft mozzarella cheese. But the inside of the cheese contains soft small cheese curds and cream. The word burro itself refers to butter in Italian and gives you an indication of the softness and richness in the inside layer of this cheese. It’s best to eat the cheese fresh. Keeping it for several days can affect the texture and taste.
Burrata is made from either raw milk or pasteurized milk. First, the milk is filled into large containers, and then rennet is allowed to curdle into milk. The next step involves dropping the curds in hot whey and leaving them to blend into a flexible paste. Then cheesemakers softly weave and pull the curd, achieving a spun consistency similar to stretched curd cheeses. After that, they form the cheese into a soft pouch and pack it with a mixture of cream and fresh curds. Then they seal off the pouch at the top.
What is Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a soft, white Italian cheese made from the milk of buffalos. It has a smooth, shiny surface, a porcelain color, and a delicate milky flavor. Mozzarella is a fresh cheese that does not undergo aging. Fresh mozzarella is very healthy due to its low fat and sodium content.
Some manufacturers also produce mozzarella from cow’s milk. However, mozzarella made from buffalos’ milk is more nutritious than mozzarella made from cow’s milk. Traditional mozzarella or buffalo milk mozzarella contains a high concentration of proteins, calcium, iron, and proteins and is lower in cholesterol. We call the manufacture of mozzarella pasta filata. This process is similar to the first few steps of making burrata.
The milk is incubated using a whey starter with thermophilic bacteria, and then rennet is added to it. The curds formed are heated in water/whey until they form strings and become elastic. Next, cheesemakers stretch and knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and then create round balls of fresh cheese.
Mozzarella is a common cheese that we use in cooking. We can use it fresh in recipes like salads or in cooked dishes. Moreover, shredded mozzarella cheese is often used in pizzas and other Italian dishes. Fresh mozzarella is difficult to substitute since it has a unique flavor.
Similarities Between Burrata and Mozzarella
- Both kinds of cheese have a similar appearance; they are soft, white in color, and round in shape.
- Moreover, you can use mozzarella as a substitute for burrata.
Difference Between Burrata and Mozzarella
Definition
Burrata is an Italian cheese with a thin outer layer of mozzarella and an inner section that is a mix of fresh cream and soft curds, while mozzarella is a soft, white Italian cheese made from milk of buffalos.
Texture
Burrata has a richer and looser texture than mozzarella.
Fat Content
Moreover, burrata has a higher fat content than mozzarella, while mozzarella has a low-fat content.
The Process of Making
When preparing burrata, the stretched curd is used to form a pouch, and then it is filled with a mixture of cream and fresh curds. But when making mozzarella, there is no pouch or filling.
Conclusion
Most people confuse burrata with mozzarella as both have a similar appearance. The main difference between burrata and mozzarella is that burrata is softer and richer and has a higher fat content than mozzarella.
Reference:
1. Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “Learn All about Traditional Fresh Mozzarella Cheese.” The Spruce Eats.
2. “Burrata.” Castello.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Mozzarella-tomato-basil-cheese” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Burrata2” By Popo le Chien – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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