Buffalo mozzarella is one of the most popular products in Italian cuisine and an exquisite example of the Made in Italy agrifood sector. However, to keep it in perfect condition, you need to know how to store buffalo mozzarella correctly, both fresh buffalo mozzarella and vacuum-sealed buffalo mozzarella.
Optimal storage prevents changes on the flavor and consistency of buffalo mozzarella, ensuring that consumption is safe and preventing bacterial contamination of the food. Let’s see how to store fresh buffalo mozzarella properly and the processes involved in storing vacuum-sealed mozzarella in a safe and hygienic way.
Tips on how to store buffalo mozzarella
Special measures should be taken when storing buffalo mozzarella because it is a delicate and perishable product. In order to prevent changes on the nutritional and organoleptic properties of mozzarella, the best way to store it is naturally, keeping it in its packaging and immersed in its whey. In this way, it can last a few days with no changes on the flavor or quality of the product.
You can store buffalo mozzarella outside of the refrigerator so that it does not become rubbery or lose its unmistakable taste. Of course, it is important to choose a cool, dark place, protecting it from sunlight, humidity and high temperatures. Fresh buffalo mozzarella should be consumed within a few days from purchase because the shelf life is quite short compared to other types of cheese.
Once the packaging is opened, if you can’t eat the whole buffalo mozzarella, you should store it in portions in the freezer, putting it in clean, well-sealed bags. The sunlight and the refrigerator spoil buffalo mozzarella so it is better not to store this product in the refrigerator or in a place exposed to sunlight; instead, choose cool, dry places protected from external agents.
Vacuum-sealed buffalo mozzarella
Vacuum-sealed mozzarella is packed under vacuum in protective atmosphere, therefore, air and oxygen are removed. This can extend the shelf life to reduce food waste, protect the food from oxidation and delay its natural spoilage.
When buffalo mozzarella is in vacuum packaging, it can be stored in the refrigerator until the expiry date indicated on the product’s food label. It generally has a long shelf life thanks to the barrier effect achieved by the vacuum packaging, which protects the food from pathogens and natural oxidation.
This type of packaging uses specific materials, including vacuum-sealed tubs or bags. These ensure the optimal preservation of buffalo mozzarella, even for long periods. Vacuum-sealed mozzarella can also be stored in the freezer but it is important to make sure the packaging is sealed properly and is not damaged before freezing it.
The food packaging industry is studying new and innovative materials for buffalo mozzarella storage, to extend the shelf life of perishable food without damaging their organoleptic properties. For example, researchers from the Italian National Research Council are testing packaging that could help to preserve fresh mozzarella for up to 10 to 15 days, by studying advanced polysaccharide-based packaging.
How long does buffalo mozzarella last in vacuum packaging?
Let’s look at how long mozzarella lasts in vacuum packaging. In this case, buffalo mozzarella can last for up to 30 days but it depends on the procedures followed, the materials used for the packaging and the characteristics of the mozzarella. Always follow the instructions on the food label, such as expiry dates and recommended storage methods.
Fresh buffalo mozzarella, on the other hand, can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. In any case, it is always better to consume it as soon as possible. It can last a few days longer if kept in the refrigerator but some of the product’s organoleptic properties can be lost in this case. In the freezer, mozzarella lasts for up to a maximum of 6 months and this limit should never be exceeded.
Volmar offers specific cheese packaging solutions for hard or soft cheese for the food industry, including vacuum packaging like vacuum bags – high-quality products that ensure the optimal protection and preservation of perishable food products like buffalo mozzarella.