If you’ve ever wandered into the cheese section with the innocent intent of “just picking up some mozzarella,” you know it’s not that simple.

What was once a single white orb in plastic wrap is now an entire category. Fresh, low-moisture, smoked, buffalo, burrata — mozzarella takes many forms, and picking the right one for your meal needs a little demystification.

Fresh mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella is one of those ingredients that feels like a little bit of magic in the kitchen — soft, milky, and impossibly tender. Unlike aged cheeses, fresh mozzarella is best enjoyed quickly while its delicate flavor and creamy texture are at their peak.

You’ll usually find it packed in liquid (water or brine), which helps keep it moist and soft. It’s quite versatile, equally at home in a pasta salad,

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