Cheese is very important to Italian food, especially mozzarella. And since National Cheese Day just passed on June 4th, we thought it would be a good time to take a look at this cheese that is indispensable to Italian restaurants everywhere. You’ll find many dishes that have mozzarella on our menu at PastAmore, so it should come as no surprise that we’re passionate about this particular cheese.
Like so many things in Italian cuisine, mozzarella has a rich and fascinating history. Let’s take a closer look at this all-important cheese.
Origins in Ancient Times
We don’t know exactly where mozzarella first came from, but historians believe that it was probably in the Campania region around Naples. We get the name mozzarella from the Italian verb mozzare, which means to cut off or separate. The Romans first introduced cheese-making techniques to Italy, and they learned them from the Greeks. The Romans made several types of cheese, including one very similar to mozzarella.
The Medieval Period and Mozzarella di Bufala
During the medieval period, Italian monks made significant contributions and developments to the art of cheese making. They improved upon existing techniques and started to make cheese with buffalo milk. Arabs introduced water buffaloes to Europe in the 9th century, and by the 12th century, their milk became the primary ingredient in mozzarella, known as Mozzarella di Bufala. Buffalo milk is rich and creamy, making it ideal for cheese production.
Standardization and the Modern Era
The industrial revolution changed everything, including how we make cheese. Steam engines and industrial production methods led to the mass production of many cheeses, including mozzarella. The standardized cheese-making process made the production of mozzarella much more efficient.
In 1996, the European Union granted Mozzarella di Bufala Campana protected designation of origin (PDO) status. The PDO designation ensures that only mozzarella made from buffalo milk from specific areas of Campania can be labeled as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana.
Looking for authentic Italian restaurants? Come to PastAmore!
Today, mozzarella is one of the most popular cheeses in Italy and all over the world. It’s an essential ingredient for pizza, salads, pasta dishes, and many other items on the menus of Italian restaurants, including PastAmore. Italian food just wouldn’t be the same without it.
