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Yes we know what you are thinking, Provolone vs Mozzarella cheese, a very difficult choice. More so, because both of these can be used interchangeably to cook a variety of dishes. But they are inherently different and some of their factors have advantages over the otherโs.
We are here to help you figure that out.
What is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone Cheese first originated in Casilii near Vesuvius. It is widely used in Northern Italy. Provolone has a smooth, creamy, nutty flavor, which is achieved from aging it for three to four months. It has a tang to it, with a stringy rubbery texture.
How is Provolone Made?
- Here is a step-by-step process of the making of Provolone cheese:
- First, the cowโs milk is extracted;
- The milk is then heated until the curds start appearing;
- The curds are then broken and cooked for five to eight hours;
- The curd is sliced according to the desired size;
- It is then stretched to achieve the rubbery texture that was mentioned earlier;
- Finally, to add the final tang, the stretchy molded blocks of Provolone are soaked in a lightly salted brine.
Provolone Cheese Health Benefits
Is Provolone Cheese good for you?
- Calcium
Provolone cheese contains a lot of calcium. One ounce of Provolone cheese contains 214 milligrams of calcium. Calcium is good for your teeth and bone health. It also helps improve nerve impulses and hormone secretion. - Vitamin A
The vitamin A found in animal foods regulates growth, cell division, and helps build a healthy immune system.
Having said all this it should be kept in mind that it should be an applied part of your diet and not your entire diet. Provolone cheese if not had in moderation, can be harmful to your health.
What is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella cheese was derived from the word โMozzaโ which literally means โcut.โ It originated from the Neapolitan dialect spoken in Campania. โ The cheese has been made by the Monastery of Saint Lorenzo since the early 12th century. Today, cheese is widely manufactured by the European Union in accordance with its original traditional recipe.
How is Mozzarella Made?
The process involves:
- First, the buffalo milk is extracted (alternatively cow, goat, or sheep milk);
- It is put into a whey starter to form thermophilic bacteria and then Rennet is added to the milk coagulate;
- After this curd is cut and โhealedโ;
- Then it is stirred, heated, and then separated from the whey by draining;
- Then it is hand stretched and kneaded to achieve a smooth and shiny consistency;
- They are then cut into cylinder-like shape with a semi-soft rubbery texture.
Mozzarella Cheese Health Benefits
Is Mozzarella cheese good for you?
- Biotin Source
A fine source of Biotin, also called Vitamin B7, is present in fresh Mozzarella cheese. To respond to conceivable biotin inadequacy, pregnant ladies should consume cheddar. In addition, this nutrient prevents nails from becoming stiff. Studies also show that biotin in diabetic individuals can also reduce blood glucose levels. - Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Additionally, Italian buffalo Mozzarella or other Mozzarella cheese types contain essential fat-soluble nutrients such as Vitamin D , E, and A. For calcium retention, bone wellbeing, and cell layer assurance, these nutrients are required. - Makes Bones Stronger
A high measure of calcium, which is a key mineral needed for bone and teethโ ideal structure, is included in this cheese. It also plays a key role in the protection of heart muscles and reduces the risk of colon cancer. It may also prove to be useful in reducing weight.
Difference between Provolone and Mozzarella
- There are plenty of differences between Mozzarella and Provolone
- Provolone is good on sandwiches, whereas Mozzarella is good to cook with;
- Provolone is aged 2-3 months, whereas Mozzarella is consumed fresh;
- Provolone has a tangy flavor whereas Mozzarella has a buttery, milky flavor.
Nutritional Differences
In the table are given some basic nutritional differences both these varieties of cheese have :
| Mozzarella | Provolon | |
| Calories | 336 | 463 |
| Carbohydrates | 2.5g | 2.8g |
| Total Fat | 25g | 35.1g |
| Saturated fat | 14.7g | 22.5g |
| Sodium | 702mg | 1156mg |
| Protein | 24.8g | 33.8g |
| Cholesterol | 88.5mg | 91.1mg |
Similarities of Provolone and Mozzarella
The two cheeses derive from Italy, but from various regions. Both are semi-soft cheeses made from cowโs milk, and both are made in much the same way. They are both categorized as โPasta Filata,โ meaning โstretched curd,โ referring to how the cheeses are made. Both have a mild taste and are usually described as having a buttery taste.
Are Provolone and Mozzarella Interchangeable?
Depends on the dish, Using Provolone as a substitute for Mozzarella for your pizza would make it more gooey than usual. For Mozzarella, you might need to add more toppings because it has a very mild flavor, unlike Provolone which is very savory so salty toppings are unnecessary.
It works the same for almost all dishes.
Notable Alternatives
- Cheddar Cheese: Not as elastic as Provolone or Mozzarella, but radiant all the same. Sharp taste and very affordable.
- Goat Cheese: Savory cheese which neutralizes spicy dishes. Works best for pizza toppings.
- Gouda Cheese: Perfect Provolone alternative. Mild flavor and chewy texture. Other than pizza and pasta, it also goes well with sandwiches, biscuits and charcuterie.
Conclusion
Now that you are a cheese connoisseur, And know all about Provolone vs Mozzarella what are you waiting for? Go grab a cheese slicer and bake a pizza right now!
