Formaggio di capra Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese
Formaggio di capra Cheese is a soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Formaggio di capra Cheese?
Formaggio di capra is a cheese made by transforming goat's milk. It is sold fresh or ripened, sometimes rolled in ash, and it carries the tangy, goaty taste that comes from the fatty acids in goat milk.
What Is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.
What's the Difference Between Formaggio di capra Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese?
- Milk type: Formaggio di capra Cheese (goat's milk), Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
- Milk treatment: Formaggio di capra Cheese (raw), Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Formaggio di capra Cheese (soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged), Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy)
- Rind: Formaggio di capra Cheese (sometimes ash-coated), Mozzarella Cheese (None)
- Taste: Formaggio di capra Cheese (tangy), Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Formaggio di capra Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged | Soft, creamy |
| Rind | Sometimes ash-coated | None |
| Aging | — | Eaten fresh |
| Taste | Tangy | Mild, milky |
Taste Comparison: Does Formaggio di capra Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella Cheese?
Formaggio di capra Cheese reads as tangy, while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky character. On the nose, Formaggio di capra Cheese offers goaty, contrasted with Mozzarella Cheese's mild. More specifically, Formaggio di capra Cheese shows characteristic goat taste from caproic, caprylic and capric fatty acids, while Mozzarella Cheese leans toward made globally; often used in pizza and italian dishes; cow's milk versions are most common..
Can You Substitute Formaggio di capra Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
Formaggio di capra Cheese can stand in for Mozzarella Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, creamy. Flavor-wise, Formaggio di capra Cheese reads as tangy while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky notes.
Which Is Better, Formaggio di capra Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged cheese, go with Formaggio di capra Cheese. For a soft, creamy profile, Mozzarella Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Formaggio di capra Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Mozzarella Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Formaggio di capra Cheese the same as Mozzarella Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Formaggio di capra Cheese is made from goat milk; Mozzarella Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Formaggio di capra Cheese similar to Mozzarella Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Formaggio di capra Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Formaggio di capra Cheese taste like Mozzarella Cheese?
Formaggio di capra Cheese reads as tangy, while Mozzarella Cheese is mild, milky. Aromas also diverge. Formaggio di capra Cheese leans goaty, and Mozzarella Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Formaggio di capra Cheese made of?
Formaggio di capra Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using animal rennet. It originates in Italy.
What is Mozzarella Cheese made of?
Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Formaggio di capra Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Formaggio di capra Cheese is soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy.