- Drinking mozzarella water is safe but may not be enjoyable
- Whey, which is nutritious and contains probiotics, is a preferred storage medium for high-quality mozzarella
- Mozzarella water has been touted as a hangover cure, though there’s no scientific evidence to back this claim
- There are several culinary uses for mozzarella water
- Rather than discarding mozzarella water, it can be repurposed in various dishes, contributing to a no-waste cooking approach
What is Mozzarella Water, and Can You Drink It?
Mozzarella water can indeed be just plain water, as its primary function is to keep the cheese moist. Since mozzarella itself is quite mild in flavor, storing it in water won’t impart any taste to the liquid.
However, when mozzarella is kept in brine, the situation changes. Brine, being a salt solution, imparts a slight salty flavor to the water, depending on the salt concentration.
Good mozzarella should be like a soft pillow, yielding to the touch and full of flavor – Julia Child
The more salt that is added, the stronger the flavor becomes. While some salt is essential for our diet, consuming brine directly is not advisable.
High-quality mozzarella, known for its high moisture content, is typically stored in whey. Whey is a byproduct of the cheesemaking process and is safe to drink.
It’s quite nutritious and contains probiotics.
Mozzarella whey, referred to as acidic whey, differs from sweet whey. When mozzarella is refrigerated, the whey can develop milk solids.
The appearance of these white bits in the liquid might not be appealing. Keep in mind that whey contains lactose, so avoid it if you have a lactose intolerance.
Sometimes, mozzarella is packaged in oil, usually in glass jars. This oil works well as a salad dressing or can be drizzled over pizza, but it’s not something you’d want to drink.
What Can Mozzarella Water Be Used For?
So, having established that you don’t want to drink mozzarella water, although you can if you want, what else can it be used for?
Continuing with the drinking theme, it is said to be a hangover cure, but there is no scientific proof it works.
I’ll stick with the headache, thanks!
There are several culinary uses for mozzarella water, especially if it is the whey option.
One of the most popular is to add it to the mix when making homemade bread.
Fresh mozzarella is one of the greatest gifts from the culinary gods – Ina Garten
It is said to add a nutty flavor and also help the bread rise.
You can also add it to pizza dough, which seems appropriate!
Mozzarella plus more mozzarella flavor, not going to argue with that!
Other options include using it in soups and stocks, obviously reducing the amount of corresponding liquid you would usually add.
How about using mozzarella water when cooking rice?
The only thing to be wary of is if it is brine, and then, of course, you wouldn’t need any extra salt.
The mozzarella water will add a hint of creaminess.
Interestingly, feta liquid can be used for the same purpose.
Mozzarella water can also be used when cooking pasta.
It can be the basis of a starter culture for fermented vegetables.
All these years, you have been throwing it away when it could be used in numerous dishes!
How Mozzarella is Made
My Final Thoughts
Yes, you can drink mozzarella water, but it may not taste very pleasant.
The brine will be overly salty and is not recommended for health reasons.
Whey is nutritious but is more palatable to consume when added to dishes such as rice or pasta.
Take care if you are serving meals containing whey to those who are lactose-intolerant
Don’t just throw it away; save your mozzarella water for future use!
Mozzarella di Bufala is a marvel of texture and taste, embodying the best of Italian artisanal cheese-making traditions – Mario Batali
Having mentioned the brine, take a look at my article on why mozzarella tastes of salt.
How do you view the potential of reusing mozzarella water in your cooking or dietary practices?
Let us know in the comments below!
FAQ
Can you drink mozzarella water?
Yes, drinking mozzarella water is safe but not recommended due to taste preferences. Mozzarella water can be plain, briny, or whey-based. While brine is too salty for consumption, whey contains nutritious values but is suggested to be better utilized in cooking.
What is mozzarella water?
Mozzarella water is the liquid used to keep mozzarella cheese moist. It can be just plain water, brine (a salt solution), or whey (a by-product of cheese making). The type of liquid used affects the taste and usability of the mozzarella water.
Is brine-based mozzarella water safe to drink?
While it is safe, drinking brine-based mozzarella water is not recommended due to its high salt content. Consuming too much salt can be harmful to health, thus it’s better to use brine in moderation in cooking rather than drinking it.
What are the nutritional benefits of whey-based mozzarella water?
Whey-based mozzarella water is nutritious, containing probiotics and essential nutrients. It is known as acidic whey and can be a good addition to diets if used properly in cooking.
Can lactose-intolerant individuals consume mozzarella water?
Individuals with lactose sensitivity should be cautious, especially with whey-based mozzarella water, as it contains lactose. It’s important to consider one’s dietary restrictions before consuming.
What can mozzarella water be used for if not drinking?
Mozzarella water, especially if it is whey, can be used in various culinary applications such as making bread, pizza dough, soups, stocks, cooking rice, and pasta, and as a starter culture for fermenting vegetables. Its use adds a unique flavor and can enhance the nutritional profile of dishes.
Can mozzarella water be a hangover cure?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that mozzarella water can cure hangovers. It’s suggested to explore other remedies or preventatives for hangover relief.
How is mozzarella made?
Mozzarella is made through a process that involves curdling milk, separating the curds from the whey, and then processing the curds into the soft, white cheese known as mozzarella. Depending on the type of mozzarella, it may be stored in plain water, brine, or whey to maintain its moisture.
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wow!! i never knew you could drink this liquid my small son of 42 years old loves to drink the water and i worry he becomes ill sometimes because of it. i miss my husband