When I left Campania to move to Milan, my first big shock was discovering something I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams: Once purchased, mozzarella is taken home and stored directly in the fridge!
No one from Campania would ever do such a thing: The only mozzarella you refrigerate is the kind you’re using for cooking.
When I go down south for vacation and return to Milan, my second suitcase is always a well-sealed polystyrene container holding precious and authentic mozzarella di bufala. The container’s material maintains a constant temperature inside and keeps the tasty souvenirs safe outside of the fridge to face a train ride of 5-6 hours.
Despite my initial disappointment, it should be noted, however, that in Milan, it can be a little more difficult to find truly fresh mozzarella di bufala, and the most common ones are already stored in the refrigerator at the supermarket.
So – what’s the proper method of storage for this delicacy? Here are some basic rules to preserve and consume artisanal buffalo mozzarella, following the guidelines from the Consorzio di Tutela della Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP.
Mozzarella di bufala: Eat it now!
Soft, milky, and elastic just to the right point: Handmade bufala is a fresh product without preservatives. For this reason, it should be consumed as soon as possible, so that you can enjoy all its irresistible characteristic flavors.
In or out of the fridge?
According to recent studies carried out by the Maurizi Group (specialized in food safety), buffalo mozzarella stored at room temperature 64-77°F (18-25°C) for two days from the time of production doesn’t risk contamination. In fact, it even improves its organoleptic characteristics compared to a mozzarella stored in the fridge. It’s ideal to eat it within 24 hours, without storing it in the fridge.
Buffalo mozzarella must always remain immersed in its liquid until the moment of consumption. The whey keeps the mozzarella hydrated and guarantees its typical taste and consistency.
Once its packaging with liquid is opened, it’s best to keep the liquid in a container: In the odd case that you cannot finish all the mozzarella, you’ll want to immerse it again in the whey. You can consume it within the next 3 days by keeping it in the fridge.
Serving mozzarella di bufala
To taste authentic buffalo mozzarella, its temperature must not exceed about 64-68°F (18-20°C) when consumed. Keeping it in the refrigerator would compromise its qualities and the mystical experience of tasting it. If, unfortunately, you happen to buy it already refrigerated, take it out half an hour before consuming for the best flavor.
The trick to getting it to room temperature faster? Immerse the still-closed bag in a container with warm water for about 10 minutes. No special seasonings or additions: Enjoy it on its own.