Buffalo Mozzarella from Cilento: Authentic Flavor from Southern Italy

When it comes to Italian culinary excellence, buffalo mozzarella holds a place of honor. But not all mozzarellas are the same, and among the most appreciated varieties is certainly the buffalo mozzarella from Cilento, a true gem from Southern Italy and a symbol of traditional Campanian dairy culture.

Origins and Territory

Cilento’s buffalo mozzarella is produced in a pristine area of southern Campania, including the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. This land offers rich pastures, pure water, and clean air—ideal conditions for raising buffaloes and producing high-quality milk.

Unlike the more famous Caserta production, Cilento mozzarella is crafted using artisan methods, a shorter supply chain, and a greater focus on quality over quantity.

Differences Between Cilento and Caserta Mozzarella

Though both are protected by the DOP “Mozzarella di Bufala Campana” designation, some important differences exist:

• Taste and texture: Cilento mozzarella has a more delicate yet complex flavor, with mild herbal notes and a softer, juicier texture. Caserta mozzarella tends to be firmer and saltier.

• Freshness: Thanks to the short supply chain, Cilento mozzarella is often delivered the same day it’s made.

• Buffalo feeding: In Cilento, buffaloes are often fed with local, natural forage, giving the milk a richer flavor profile.

• Artisanal production: Small local dairies maintain traditional, manual methods, resulting in a product that feels handmade from the first bite.

Choosing Cilento mozzarella means choosing quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Available Formats

Cilento mozzarella comes in several formats, each suited for different occasions:

• Classic mozzarella: Round shape, 250g–500g, perfect with tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil.

• Bocconcini: Smaller (30–50g), ideal for appetizers and finger food.

• Ciliegine: Even smaller (10–20g), perfect for salads and aperitifs.

• Treccia: Braided by hand, often large, great for sharing or special meals.

• Mennona or Zizzona: An oversized version, often over 1kg, ideal for celebrations.

All formats feature a thin, shiny rind, elastic texture, and milky core that releases an unmistakable aroma.

More Than Mozzarella: Buffalo Milk Delicacies

Buffalo milk is a premium, versatile ingredient. Besides mozzarella, Cilento offers a variety of high-quality dairy products:

• Stracciata di bufala: Creamy like burrata, perfect on toast or pasta.

• Buffalo scamorza: Drier and smoked, ideal grilled or roasted.

• Aged cheeses: Such as caciobufala or aged provola, full of character.

• Buffalo ricotta: Sweet and delicate, great in savory dishes or desserts.

• Buffalo milk liqueurs: Creamy and smooth, ideal after meals.

These products confirm that Cilento buffalo milk is a pillar of local gastronomy, worth discovering in all its forms.

Why Choose Cilento Mozzarella?

1. Superior quality: Less industrial, more handmade.

2. Pristine territory: Clean air and rich pastures make better milk.

3. Sustainability and animal welfare: Ethical production methods.

4. Authentic taste: Less salty, more natural, and easier to digest.

By choosing Cilento mozzarella, you also support small local producers and help preserve a centuries-old tradition.

Where to Buy Real Cilento Buffalo Mozzarella?

On Cilento Table you'll find a curated selection of the best Cilento buffalo mozzarellas, including all formats and dairy derivatives. All products are shipped fresh, with full cold chain preservation and eco-friendly packaging.

One last tip?

Enjoy it simply with a drizzle of Cilento EVO oil and a basil leaf. One bite, and you’ll taste the South of Italy.