Water Buffalo Farm: Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheese
The Vannulo Farm is located near Paestum in southern Italy
I had no idea that water buffalo were the source for the best cheese on the planet! We had the opportunity to tour a very interesting farm that produces mozzarella and ricotta cheese, as well as yogurt and ice cream from water buffalo milk. The Vannulo farm also has a leather shop where artisans hand make handbags, wallets and smaller leather items such as key chains from water buffalo calf skin. The water buffalo are very well taken care of. They eat well, and are well sheltered from the elements (the climate is mild--the lowest temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit ). The area where the water buffalo hang out (those that are on their "milk cycle" are housed in a huge roofed area) is clean and comfortable. Cushy mats on which to rest are provided as well as rotating brushes that provide walk-up massages. We witnessed the water buffalo enjoying water gushing at their feet at regular intervals during the day. The animals seemed to enjoy this activity, sticking their heads into the rushing water as it flowed by, also cleansing the floors on a regular basis. At night, they have soothing blue lights and classical music piped through their stalls. The operation is computerized and has state of the art equipment that milks the water buffalo three times a day. The milk that is collected in the early morning is made into cheese that is sold out by noon the same day. We had the opportunity to sample the mozzarella and ricotta cheese, yogurt and ice cream. I have to say that the cheeses were the best that I have ever had. The factors contributing to the superb products are the excellent care of the animals, totally organic feed, no antibiotics are used, and the mild climate of southern Italy. There's nothing like water buffalo cheese that's only a few hours old. It's disappointing that we can't have it shipped to the U.S.; it's just not practical. Besides, this farm has none to ship--they sell it all locally to the public and restaurants.