While a ball of mozzarella may not look like a painting hanging in a famous museum, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a work of art.
There aren’t many things better than cutting into a fresh ball of mozzarella and putting it on a pizza or in a caprese salad. So what does it take to make these balls of heaven? And why is this fresh cheese so popular at Publix GreenWise Market (PGWM)? Our in-house Cheese Specialist Jill Hubbard, #1702, Odessa, Florida, tells us the secrets of our delicious product.
‘Curd’ you explain?
It all starts with splitting a 10-pound bag of mozzarella cheese curds in half and letting it sit outside the fridge until it reaches room temperature.
“I take the curds, break them up into tiny pieces and place them in a bowl,” said Jill. “Next, I pour boiling water around the outside of the cheese curds until the curds are almost covered in water. Never pour the water directly on the curds!”
‘Stretchin’’ it out
And now for the best part — well, aside from eating it. After pouring hot water around the curds, we begin stretching out the mozzarella like taffy.
“Stretching out the cheese to get the consistency we want takes time and patience,” said Jill.
Remember, good things come to those who wait.
“I will repeat these steps one more time before adding a few tablespoons of salt,” said Jill. “Then I’m back to stretching, but just once more.”
Add a pinch of this and a dab of that
After the stretching phase is complete and we have the wonderful texture needed, we are so close to the end, we can almost taste it. Almost …
“I divide the cheese up into half-pound balls and then put them into a refrigerator until they reach 37 degrees,” said Jill. “Then they are ready to be prepped for sale.”
Half of the balls are stored with or without water for those who wish to eat the mozzarella plain, while the others marinate in our delightful herb mixture. This mixture is made with oil, basil, chives, thyme, crushed pepper, salt and pepper. Sounds almost too good to be true, huh?
Next time you prep a delicious dish for yourself or your friends, be sure to include this masterpiece as your centerpiece!
