The modern version of the “Book about tasty and healthy food” could devote more than one chapter to cheese. And speaking of dietary nutrition, it is first of all appropriate to recall semi-soft and low-fat varieties, including mozzarella. We will talk about the manufacturing technology of this tender cheese, its benefits as a food product and the intricacies of choice.
Nutritional and Dietary Value
Is cheese like mozzarella suitable for diet food? The fat content of this variety is on average about 40%, which is less than that of many hard cheeses. At the same time, one of the advantages is its high protein value and the record high content of calcium and phosphorus among cheeses. And although mozzarella, whose calorific value, depending on the manufacturer, can range from 250 to 300 kcal, practically does not contain carbohydrates, it can be an excellent ... dessert. So, to please you with the most delicate taste, without making you regret what you ate. There is also evidence that regular consumption of this cheese has a beneficial effect on sleep. And a piece eaten after a meal is also a useful alternative to the well-known chewing gum for protecting your teeth.
Can everyone use it? Yes, if cheese is not contraindicated to you in principle (meaning rare cases of intolerance to milk and products from it). When following the technology and storage rules, it is absolutely safe and does not contain substances that are potentially harmful to us.
How is mozzarella cheese made, calories which, as we have already said, is rather small, and the digestibility of nutrients is higher than that of many other healthy products? It is made from very fresh milk and rennet according to the invariable technology, which excludes the addition of any other substances. The cheese is immersed in saline and packaged. Vacuum packaging allows you to slightly extend its shelf life and makes transportation possible. However, it is believed that real mozzarella should be freshly prepared, not older than one to two days. In any case, beware of mozzarella if the shelf life on the packaging exceeds one month.
Appearance and label information
What should this young cheese look like and what should be indicated on the packaging? If it is really mozzarella, its calorie content will be 250-300 kcal per hundred grams, fat content from 20 to 40, but usually within 35%. As part of a quality and healthy mozzarella, only milk, sourdough and the solution in which this cheese is stored can be: water and salt. The expiration date, we repeat, should not be more than a month. Most often in a vacuum package is a soft, pliable, one-piece piece weighing up to 200 grams. But you can also find mozzarella in the form of balls of different sizes, cut into circles or in the form of pigtails. The color should be light, almost white. Mozzarella, unlike other cheeses, is made without the use of dyes, but a light yellowish tint can be explained by the presence of carotene in the fresh grass that cows eat. Cheese in vacuum packaging should have a uniform consistency, without crust and cheese "holes". And, of course, when opening the package, pay attention to the smell. An unpleasant sour smell indicates unsuitability for food. And, of course, fresh mozzarella cheese should not have a bitter aftertaste.
What to eat with
And now a few words about the most pleasant: about how to eat this most useful product in order to give yourself complete taste and aesthetic pleasure. When you have a product like mozzarella in front of you, calorie content may not bother you. Feel free to use it to sprinkle pizza and any casseroles instead of hard cheese and mayonnaise. It goes well with slices of tomatoes in a simple and elegant salad. To experience the true taste of an Italian dish, add fresh or dried herbs (such as basil) and olive oil. If you try to follow a diet, but you can’t deny yourself an evening snack, mozzarella, whose calorie content in terms of several pieces is not at all great, is perfect in order to soothe your stomach and taste buds. A few pieces of cheese, mineral water and a glass of red wine - and late guests no longer threaten your figure. Only good and delicate taste.