Fior di latte is a fresh Italian mozzarella-style cheese made exclusively from cow’s milk, known for its mild, milky taste and soft, creamy texture. The name literally means “flower of milk,” which hints at its freshness and delicate flavor.

What fior di latte is

  • A fresh “pasta filata” (stretched-curd) cheese, in the same family as mozzarella.
  • Made only from cow’s milk, unlike mozzarella di bufala, which uses buffalo milk.
  • Typically sold as moist white balls or knots stored in brine or whey, with a soft, elastic bite.

Flavor and texture

  • Very mild, clean, and milky flavor with gentle sweetness rather than strong tang.
  • Soft, moist, and slightly springy texture that becomes creamy when eaten, often described as tender and delicate.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, because the flavor fades and the texture firms up as it ages.

How it’s made (in brief)

  • Fresh cow’s milk is curdled with cultures and rennet, then the curds are rested to ferment and acidify.
  • The curd is cut, heated in hot water or whey, then stretched and kneaded until smooth and elastic.
  • The cheese is formed into balls or other shapes and cooled in brine, which seasons and preserves it for short-term use.

How it’s used

  • Classic on pizza (especially Neapolitan-style), where it melts in soft, creamy puddles.
  • Popular in Caprese salads with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, or simply sliced with olive oil and salt.
  • Also used in sandwiches, baked pasta, and modern twists like fior di latte gelato and ice cream, where its pure dairy flavor is the star.

Fior di latte vs. buffalo mozzarella

Aspect| Fior di latte (cow)| Buffalo mozzarella
---|---|---
Milk| Cow’s milk only.59| Water buffalo milk.79
Flavor| Mild, clean, more subtle.510| Richer, more pronounced, slightly tangier.9
Texture| Delicate, creamy, slightly less fatty.310| Softer yet denser and richer, more luxurious mouthfeel.9
Typical use| Everyday pizzas, salads, sandwiches.79| Often used where a more intense, premium cheese is desired.9

In many modern gelaterias, “fior di latte” on the flavor board means a plain, sweet cream gelato that showcases pure milk and cream without vanilla or extras.

TL;DR: Fior di latte is a cow’s-milk mozzarella: fresh, soft, milky, and versatile on pizza, in salads, and even as a simple, elegant gelato flavor.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.