Scamorza Cheese

A type of mozzarella cheese that is a dried and heavily smoked cured variety. The unsmoked, smoked lightly version of this mozzarella is known as affumicata. Mozzarella affumicata is formed into large balls of cheese and smoked over wood chips to become dark brown in color. Mozzarella scamorza has a denser texture and is smoked over pecan shells to enhance the flavor and darken the color of the cheese. Despite its somewhat bland taste, mozzarella is favored as a melting cheese that forms an elastic texture desired by many chefs and cheese consumers. The flavor is delicate and slightly sour, with a milk-like freshness. The longer the cheese ages, the softer and sourer it becomes.