Italian Restaurateur Warns: Never Buy Mozzarella If It…

Mozzarella cheese, whether on a pizza, in a Caprese salad, or simply drizzled with olive oil, transforms into something delightful with minimal effort. Yet behind this soft, white sphere lies a cheese that is quite delicate. Connoisseurs expect it to be tender, release some whey when cut, and offer a fresh, slightly tangy flavor. The opposite of this would be a dry, crumbly, or rubbery texture. To ensure its quality, many scrutinize its composition, designation, or origin. Some swear only by mozzarella di bufala campana PDO, made from buffalo milk, while others place more emphasis on the artisan nature of its production.

These factors certainly matter. However, one aspect often overlooked by shoppers as they fill their carts is the packaging. This is the point emphasized by Giuseppe, the manager of the Italian restaurant La Siciliana in Enghien-les-Bains. He asserts that like many fresh foods, mozzarella is sensitive to light. Light exposure can accelerate the deterioration of some of its organoleptic qualities. If displayed under the bright lights of refrigerated shelves for several days, it may lose freshness and its flavors may become dull more quickly.

Accordingly, Giuseppe advises against purchasing mozzarellas in transparent containers. “Never buy a mozzarella that you can see directly inside,” he explains on Instagram. When more exposed to light, it’s likely to lose its flavors more rapidly. Instead, it’s better to choose mozzarella in opaque plastic packaging. This acts as a protective barrier that helps preserve it over time, until it’s opened. This is almost the same rationale that drives producers of high-quality olive oil to favor dark glass bottles, to prevent the oil from becoming rancid.

Before placing a mozzarella in your shopping cart, be sure to check its packaging. If all else is equal, be wary of mozzarellas that are too eager to show off. The best ones often prefer to stay hidden!