The essentials
The Bufala basket from Pazzini, the Italian anti-waste deli in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, is a tub of fresh mozzarella di bufala (two 125g balls, 250g total) rescued from waste and offered at a reduced price for same-day in-store pickup. Mozzarella di bufala is the queen of all mozzarellas: made from buffalo milk rather than cow's milk, it boasts a softer texture, a richer, milkier flavour and a freshness that bursts on the tongue. Far too often, these fresh cheeses end up in the bin simply because their date is creeping up, even though they're still at their absolute best. At Pazzini, we decided that wouldn't happen anymore. You walk away with a flawless bufala, your wallet breathes a sigh of relief, and a little less great cheese heads for the rubbish. Everybody wins, and your taste buds win first.
What the basket contains
- 1 tub of fresh buffalo mozzarella
- Italian buffalo-milk cheese
- Fresh product, in-store pickup today
Provenance
Region
Italy (buffalo-milk mozzarella, the tradition of Puglia and Campania)
PDO
—
Method
Pasta filata mozzarella made from buffalo milk, packed in a 2 × 125g tub in its preserving liquid. Fresh product selected and rescued from waste by Pazzini.
Notes
Keep refrigerated and enjoy quickly. Buffalo mozzarella is best eaten raw, taken out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.
Ideas for use
01
Caprese, the timeless classic
Slice the buffalo mozzarella into thick rounds, layer them with ripe tomatoes, scatter over fresh basil leaves, finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt. The ultimate Italian starter, ready in 5 minutes and unbeatable in summer.
02
Simply on its own, by the spoonful
Quality bufala sometimes needs nothing at all. Place a whole ball on a plate, split it open with a spoon, add a drizzle of olive oil, a grind of pepper and a little flaky salt. Let that buffalo milk do all the talking.
03
On a warm bruschetta
Toast thick slices of rustic bread, rub them with garlic, tear the mozzarella over the top, add some sun-dried tomatoes or grilled courgettes and a twist of pepper. The hot-cold, crunchy-creamy contrast is pure magic.
04
Finishing a homemade pizza
Drain and pat the bufala dry, tear it into pieces and add it to your pizza in the final minutes of baking. It melts into creamy strands without soaking the base, a finish worthy of a real Neapolitan pizzeria.
05
In a vibrant salad
Pair buffalo mozzarella with rocket, peaches or watermelon, a handful of toasted pine nuts and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the cheese make a duo that's as fresh as it is elegant.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pazzini's Bufala basket?
It's an anti-waste basket from Pazzini, the Italian deli in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses. It contains a tub of fresh mozzarella di bufala with two 125g balls (250g in total). The cheese is sold at a reduced price so it doesn't go to waste while it's still perfectly fresh, with same-day in-store pickup.
What's the difference between buffalo mozzarella and regular mozzarella?
Mozzarella di bufala is made from buffalo milk, while regular mozzarella (fior di latte) is made from cow's milk. Buffalo milk is higher in fat, giving the cheese a softer, creamier texture, a noticeably milkier taste and a gentle tang. It's the most prized and indulgent version of mozzarella you can buy.
How many people does this basket feed?
With 250g of buffalo mozzarella (two 125g balls), you've got enough for a generous starter for 2 to 4 people, or a hearty main for 2 hungry cheese lovers. Each 125g ball makes an ideal individual portion, plated up with a drizzle of olive oil and a few tomatoes.
How do I collect my basket, and do I need to eat it quickly?
Pickup is straight from the Pazzini shop in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses, on the same day you order, using your pickup code. Since buffalo mozzarella is a fresh cheese, keep it refrigerated in its liquid and enjoy it soon, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Take it out 15 minutes before serving so it softens up to room temperature and shows off its full creaminess.
Why is the buffalo mozzarella sold at an anti-waste price?
Because it's a fresh product with a date that's approaching, even though it's still perfectly delicious. Rather than bin it, Pazzini offers it at a reduced price as part of its anti-waste mission. You bag a bargain, you savour a quality Italian cheese, and you help cut food waste in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses.
Can buffalo mozzarella be cooked, on a pizza for example?
Yes, but with one trick: bufala holds a lot of water and can leave a pizza soggy. Drain it well, pat it dry with paper towel and tear it into pieces that you add at the end of cooking rather than the start. It'll melt beautifully without flooding the base. That said, it's at its very best raw, just barely warmed by a hot dish.
