Well, let me tell you, as a cheese lover and someone who has enjoyed countless cheese sticks in my lifetime, I can confidently say that cheese sticks are indeed made with real mozzarella cheese.
Now, let’s break it down. Mozzarella cheese is traditionally made from water buffalo milk in Italy, but nowadays it is commonly made from cow’s milk. The cheese-making process involves heating the milk, adding rennet to coagulate it, and then stretching and kneading the curds to create that characteristic stretchy and stringy texture.
Low-moisture part-skimmed mozzarella, which is what string cheese is made from, goes through a slightly different process. The cheese is heated, the curds are cut into small pieces, and then they are pressed to remove excess whey. This results in a cheese with lower moisture content, making it firmer and more suitable for shredding or slicing.
But why is it called string cheese? Well, that’s because when you peel apart a stick of string cheese, it separates into thin strings or strands, hence the name. It’s a fun and convenient way to enjoy mozzarella cheese on-the-go or as a snack.
Now, I must admit that not all cheese sticks are made with real mozzarella. There are some variations out there that use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Colby. However, the classic and most popular cheese stick is indeed made with mozzarella.
So, the next time you indulge in a cheese stick, rest assured that you are enjoying the deliciousness of real mozzarella cheese. Whether you eat it plain or use it in recipes like homemade pizza or cheesy baked dishes, cheese sticks are a versatile and tasty way to enjoy this beloved cheese.