Pasta Filata and Related Cheeses Varieties
- U.S. Mozzarella
- Whole Milk Mozarella
- Part-skim Mozzarella
- Low Moisture Mozzarella
- Low Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Smoked Provolone
Key Applications
Pasta filata and related cheeses work well in gratins, salads, sandwiches and stuffings. Their meltability makes them ideal for U.S.-style pizza, the number one application for U.S. Mozzarella worldwide. These cheeses have also become a favorite in snack foods: formulated as "cheese sticks," breaded and fried, or as side dishes.
Manufacturing Process
Pasta filata cheeses are named for the unique process of pulling the curd after it is drained and briefly ripened. Made from cow's milk in the U.S., preparation of the curd is similar to semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses, involving warming of the milk and addition of starter cultures and enzymes. Once the curd has been heated and stretched, it is molded. In the case of mozzarella-style cheese, the cheese is immersed in cold water, washed in brine, and dried. Provolone is drawn and twisted, salted, ripened and in some cases, smoked.
New technologies have been developed to produce cheeses that are very similar to mozzarella but not made through a traditional pasta filata process. These related cheeses also perform very well in foodservice and food manufacturing applications. In the United States, mozzarella may be manufactured using the new processes.
Performance Considerations
Pasta filata and related cheeses have a very elastic consistency and have excellent melting, stretch and browning properties. They are used as fillings for breaded appetizers, meats and pastas, as well as in toppings for U.S.-style pizzas, pastas and other entrees.
Key Benefits in Foodservice & Food Processing
- Used in a wide range of applications, especially when excellent melting properties are needed. Add body and mouthfeel in hot dishes.
- Range of Mozzarella types available for specific applications.
- Provolone is used in hot and cold sandwiches.
- Pasta filata and related cheeses can be sliced, cubed or shredded. Pre-cut and shredded cheeses provide labor savings and better product consistency.
- Available in a variety of forms and packaging styles: offer usage and storage options as well as cost efficiencies.
- Perform well through freeze-thaw-cook cycles.
- Excellent functionality in frozen prepared dishes.
- Complement and compatible with a wide variety of flavorings, spices and herbs.
Marketing Benefits
- Mild in flavor, these cheeses have virtually universal acceptance.
- Uniform and consistent melting properties ensure product quality.
- Add eye-appeal and value to Italian-style dishes.
- Low-fat, low-calorie types of pasta filata and related cheeses are ideally suited for diet products.
