In brief
- The province of Caserta is one of the production areas of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO.
- The PDO mark and the logo of the protection consortium guarantee buffalo milk and the area of origin.
- It does not go in the fridge: keep it in its whey at room temperature and eat it the same day.
What PDO means
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is a PDO, Protected Designation of Origin (DOP in Italian): it is made only from buffalo milk, in a defined area that covers much of Campania, including the province of Caserta, and parts of Lazio, Puglia and Molise. On the packaging you can recognise it by the PDO mark and the logo of the protection consortium.
How to eat it
- Fresh: the best mozzarella is the one made that day. Eat it at room temperature, with nothing on it, so you can taste it properly.
- Never in the fridge: the cold makes it hard. Keep it in its whey and eat it the same day.
- The shapes: as well as the classic round, there are bocconcini (small bite-sized pieces), plaits and a smoked version.
Where to buy it
The plain west of Caserta, towards the sea, is full of buffalo farms and dairies that sell over the counter. Arriving in the morning, just as the day’s production has finished, is the best way to taste it. In town you can also find it in dairy shops and delicatessens.
From Royal Palace B&B
The Deluxe King Room and the apartment have their own kitchen, with a fridge and a table: handy for a simple lunch with the mozzarella you bought that morning, before heading back to the Royal Palace.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy buffalo mozzarella near Caserta?
At the dairies on the plain between Caserta and the coast, which sell direct over the counter, often from early in the morning. In town you can find it in dairy shops and delicatessens.
Can I take it with me when I travel?
Yes, for a day or two, in its whey and kept cool. Many dairies make up travel packs.
