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Cheeses for Pizza and Specialized Blends
Application Benefits
The pizza segment is one of the largest cheese applications served by U.S. cheese manufacturers. U.S. cheeses are used in frozen pizza, refrigerated pizza, pizza kits and fresh pizza that is made and served at foodservice establishments all over the world. As pizza chains continue to expand their restaurant sites around the world, the demand for cheese and the need for high-performance cheeses continue to grow. There is a growing variety of cheeses and blends designed and manufactured specifically for this application.
- U.S. mozzarella is among the world's most popular topping for U.S.-style pizzas, because it provides the right mix of flavor, melting, stretch and elasticity characteristics. Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella is one of the most popular choices of cheese in food processing applications because of its firmer body, longer shelf-life and excellent shreddability. Whole milk mozzarella, another popular ingredient, provides a smooth, creamy flavor and texture, and even melt. Reduced and no-fat mozzarellas are used primarily in foods designed to have lower fat or calorie content.
- Pasteurized processed Mozzarella is manufactured by heating and mixing mozzarella and other cheeses, along with other ingredients, as allowed by U.S. Federal Standards of Identity for Pasteurized processed cheeses. It is used in applications requiring strict functional performance and a high degree of uniformity. Pasteurized processed cheeses generally provide uniform color, flavor and melting properties.
- U.S. Provolone is a pasta filata cheese is closely related to Mozzarella and is used in pizza blends to increase flavor while maintaining attractive melt and stretch properties.
- In addition to choosing from Pasta Filta cheese varieties and IQF cheeses to manufacture pizza, operators may also choose from pizza cheese blends that are generally made by a stirred curd process, rather than a pasta filata process. Designed for pizza, they are selected for their flavor, functionality and cost advantages.
- Custom pizza blends. Many U.S. cheese suppliers offer specialized and customized pre-shredded cheese blends for pizza applications. These include blends of two, three, and even more cheeses with specific flavors, colors, price points, and functional characteristics.
Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Cheese
IQF mozzarella and IQF cheese blends are products specifically designed to offer a high level of performance consistency. Virtually any variety of cheese can be quick frozen. IQF cheese is 100% natural. It has simply been shredded or diced and quick frozen to stop the aging process. Custom blends, featuring other types of cheese, are also available from the U.S. The color and texture of IQF cheese is typical of the cheese(s) used for its manufacture.
IQF Cheese
- Color & Texture: Typical of the cheese(s) used for its manufacture.
- Flavor: Typical of the cheese(s) used for its manufacture.
- Typical Composition: Typical of the cheese(s) used for its manufacture.
- Product Forms: Shredded, free-flowing.
- Cooking/Performance Characteristics: Highly consistent characteristics and cooking performance. Consistent appearance, browning, texture and melt.
- Typical Applications/Uses: U.S.-style pizza, hot sandwiches, Italian- and Mexican-style dishes, baked goods, salads, stuffings and deli items. Frozen manufactured foods.
- Shelf Life/Storage and Packaging Considerations: This frozen product has a long shelf-life.
- Cheese should be stored frozen.
- Follow manufacturers' instructions for thawing.
- Ensure proper sanitation when handling cheese.
- Summary of Key Benefits:
- Cost-effective way to control portions.
- Reduced labor costs.
- Reduced preparation, clean-up costs and waste.
- Free flowing in delivery systems.
- Highly consistent and easy to use.
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