Scamorza is an Italian cow's milk cheese that is similar to Mozzarella, but firmer and drier. It is pear or gourd shaped because after it is shaped into a ball, it is tied with a cord about a third from the top to be hung. Scamorza is aged about two weeks.

Scamorza is a plastic or stretched curd cheese. This means that the curd is stretched repeatedly during its production. Provalone and Mozzarella are also stretched curd cheeses. Scamorza can be substituted for low-moisture Mozzarella in many recipes.

Scamorza's rind is thin, shiny, and smooth. It is a golden color if it is smoked.

There is a sheep's milk variety and a smoked variety as well. The smoked variety is called Scamorza Affumicata.

Where to buy

We found Scamorza at a local specialty grocery store in Northern California. However, we haven't been able to find an online distributor. Let us know if you are aware of any.