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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, fresh Italian cheese made using the *pasta filata* (“stretched-curd”) method.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, fresh Italian cheese made using the *pasta filata* (“stretched-curd”) method. It originated in southern Italy and is traditionally associated with buffalo milk, though cow’s-milk versions are now more common.

Origin and history

Mozzarella originated in southern Italy and is historically associated with Campania. Sources place its development in medieval times or earlier, with later written references appearing in the 16th century.

Production

Mozzarella is made with the *pasta filata* process, in which curds are heated, stretched, and shaped. This method gives the cheese its elastic texture and ability to melt smoothly.

Varieties

Traditional mozzarella is often identified with buffalo milk, especially *mozzarella di bufala*. Most mozzarella sold internationally today is made from cow’s milk, with some regional and artisanal variations using other milks.

Culinary uses

Mozzarella is used widely in Italian and international dishes. Its mild flavour and melting quality make it especially common on pizza, in salads, and in baked dishes. In Canada, mozzarella is widely used in pizza, pasta, and sandwich making, and is a staple cheese in supermarket and restaurant food service across Canada.

Key facts

  • Mozzarella is a fresh, non-aged cheese made by heating and stretching curds.
  • The cheese is historically linked to Campania in southern Italy.
  • The name comes from the Italian verb *mozzare*, meaning to cut or separate.
  • Traditional mozzarella was made from water buffalo milk; cow’s milk versions are now widespread.
  • Mozzarella is widely used in Italian cooking, especially on pizza and in caprese salad.
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Canadian context

Mozzarella is widely used in Canadian pizza, pasta, and sandwich making, and is a staple cheese in supermarket and restaurant food service across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is mozzarella?
Mozzarella is a fresh, semi-soft Italian cheese made by stretching and kneading curds using the *pasta filata* method.
Where did mozzarella originate?
Mozzarella originated in southern Italy, especially the Campania region.
What milk is mozzarella made from?
Traditionally it was made from buffalo milk, but cow’s milk mozzarella is now more common.
Why is mozzarella stretchy?
Its stretchy texture comes from the *pasta filata* process, which heats and stretches the curds.
What does the name mozzarella mean?
It comes from the Italian verb *mozzare*, meaning to cut or separate.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozzarella
    Supports: Basic definition as a semi-soft, non-aged cheese and origin in southern Italy.
  2. Alimentarium — https://www.alimentarium.org/en/fact-sheet/mozzarella
    Supports: Name origin, traditional buffalo-milk production, and history of the term.
  3. ScienceDirect — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mozzarella-cheese
    Supports: Mozzarella as a *pasta-filata* cheese and its stretching/melting properties.
  4. Cheese.com — https://www.cheese.com/mozzarella/
    Supports: Milk sources, texture, culinary uses, and origin in Italy.
  5. Zottarella — https://www2.zottarella.com/en/products/the-history-of-mozzarella/
    Supports: Historical development, southern Italy origin, and shift from buffalo to cow’s milk.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_mozzarella
    Supports: Traditional buffalo-milk mozzarella and Campania association.