What is Ricotta & Mozzarella?
Ricotta and mozzarella are two types of cheese, typically made from cow or buffalo milk. For some dishes, specifically in Italian cuisine, both cheeses are mixed together to create a rich and creamy filling for pastas and pizzas. Ricotta is a soft, fresh cheese. It is white, has a fine curd-like texture and a milky and gently sweet flavor. Mozzarella is white, slightly salty and mild, with a medium-soft texture. Mixed together both cheeses create a mild umami taste.
Ingredients
...Ricotta is a fresh and unaged cheese made from the whey of cow's milk. It is also made with sheep, goat and water buffalo milk, but American versions often use cow's milk. The cheese is made of tiny white curds and retains a large amount of water. It is easy to mix and spread. Ricotta is a mild tasting cheese that is slightly sweet and salty.
...Mozzarella cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk and sometimes buffalo milk. It is aged for 14 to 28 days, creating a white body that is still soft, but can be sliced or grated. Unlike aged mozzarella, fresh mozzarella comes packed in water and is a white misshapen ball. It has a high water content and is therefore lower in fat. Aged mozzarella comes in a block, or shredded. The flavor is mild, bland, a hint salty, but satisfyingly creamy.