Burrata is a type of Italian cheese that is made from mozzarella and cream. It is a soft cheese that is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. However, when it comes to pregnancy, many women are concerned about the safety of eating burrata. In this article, we will explore whether or not it is safe to eat burrata during pregnancy.
Related: Fenugreek While Pregnant: Is it Safe or Risky?
What is Burrata?
Burrata is a soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk (occasionally buffalo milk) that is typical of Puglia, a region in southern Italy. It is essentially a shell of mozzarella wrapped around a mixture of cheese curds and cream, giving it a soft, creamy texture. Burrata has a rich, milky, buttery flavor, with a delicate, creamy interior and a soft, fresh exterior. It is often used as an ingredient in Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and caprese salads, but it can also be enjoyed on its own with a little olive oil and Italian bread.
Burrata is made by adding cultures and rennet to warm, fresh cow’s milk, curdling the milk, separating the whey, and then stretching and shaping the curds into a ball around the creamy filling. Burrata is a fresh cheese that is meant to be eaten soon after it is made, so it is difficult to ship from Italy to other countries. However, there are now Wisconsin-made burratas that are every bit as creamy and delicious as the Italian original.
Related: Peppermint Tea In Pregnancy? Secrets Revealed!
What is the difference between Burrata and Mozzarella cheese?
Mozzarella and burrata are both fresh Italian cheeses made from cow or water buffalo milk using the pasta filata method, which involves stretching the cheese curd. However, there are some key differences between the two cheeses:
- Texture: Fresh mozzarella has a more delicate taste and a more elastic texture, while burrata is softer and creamier.
- Filling: Burrata has a mozzarella shell, with a luxurious filling made from mozzarella bits and cream. The filling is called stracciatella, which is mozzarella that has been stretched, torn into thin strands, and soaked in cream.
- Origins: Mozzarella has been produced in Campania since the 12th century, while burrata was first produced in Andria, Puglia, in 1956.
- Production: Burrata is made from the stretched curd of the mozzarella, but in this case, it’s not the main substance of the dairy product – instead, it serves as a casing. The cheese curd is stretched and formed into a pouch, which is then filled with the stracciatella filling.
Related: Can You Safely Eat Mozzarella While Pregnant?
Can I safely eat Burrata during Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to eat burrata during pregnancy as long as it is made from pasteurized milk. Burrata is a soft cheese made of mozzarella cheese with cream on the inside, and it is considered safe to eat if it is produced by a reputable manufacturer and made from pasteurized milk. Burrata also contains several nutrients that are beneficial during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that unpasteurized or raw milk cheeses should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of foodborne illness.
Related: Can You Safely Eat California Rolls While Pregnant?
What are the nutritional benefits of Burrata?
Here are some of the nutritional benefits of burrata cheese:
- Calcium: Burrata cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining the strength of teeth and bones.
- Protein: Burrata cheese contains protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Vitamins: Burrata cheese contains vitamins A and E, which are important for healthy skin and a robust immune system.
- Other nutrients: Like most dairy products, burrata cheese is a good source of other nutrients such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
However, burrata cheese is also high in fat, with about 78% of its total calories stemming from its fat content. It also contains saturated fat and cholesterol, which should be consumed in moderation. Therefore, while burrata cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Related: Can You Eat Guava During Pregnancy?
What are the risks of eating unpasteurized Burrata during Pregnancy?
As mentioned earlier, not all burrata is made from pasteurized milk. Unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause foodborne illness. Listeria can cross the placenta and infect the baby, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems for the baby after birth. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting Listeria, which is why it is important to avoid unpasteurized cheeses during pregnancy.
Related: Can You Safely Eat Feta Cheese While Pregnant?
How to choose the best Burrata during Pregnancy?
When choosing the best burrata during pregnancy, it is important to consider whether the cheese is made from pasteurized milk. Soft cheeses like burrata are generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy if they are made from pasteurized milk. Here are some tips for choosing the best burrata during pregnancy:
- Look for burrata made from pasteurized milk. This will ensure that the cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy.
- Check the expiration date. Make sure the burrata is fresh and has not expired.
- Buy from a reputable source. Purchase burrata from a reputable store or brand to ensure that it has been handled and stored properly.
- Consider the texture. Burrata should be soft and creamy, with a thin outer shell and a creamy center.
- Avoid burrata that has a sour smell or taste. This could be a sign that the cheese has gone bad.
How much Burrata can I eat during Pregnancy?
Generally, a single serving of burrata is around 30g, roughly the size of a matchbox. Pregnant women are advised to aim for two to three daily portions of dairy, including burrata, as part of a balanced diet. However, moderation is key, as excess of any food is discouraged during pregnancy. Remember, everyone’s tolerance and nutritional requirements are different, so prioritize a diverse diet that fulfills your pregnancy needs.
Can I eat Burrata in the second or third trimester of Pregnancy?
Yes, you can enjoy burrata during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, as long as it’s made from pasteurized milk.
What are safe Burrata cheese brands?
Here are some safe burrata cheese brands:
USA
- Most burrata cheese made in the USA includes pasteurized ingredients, making it safe to consume during pregnancy.
UK
- Asda Extra Special Burrata Mozzarella
- Deliziosa
- Galbani
- Morrison’s
Italy
- Eataly
- Agata & Valentina
- Di Palo’s
- Murray’s Cheese
- Sergimmo Salumeria
Conclusion
In conclusion, burrata made from pasteurized milk is safe to eat during pregnancy. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, which are important for the growth and development of the fetus. However, it is important to avoid unpasteurized burrata, as it can increase the risk of foodborne illness. If you want to eat burrata during pregnancy, make sure that it is made from pasteurized milk and has been stored properly. If you are unsure about the safety of the cheese, it is best to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is burrata?
Burrata is a type of fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream.
Is it safe to eat burrata during pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to eat burrata during pregnancy if it is made from pasteurized milk and has been stored and handled properly.
Why is it important to avoid burrata that is not freshly made?
Burrata that is not freshly made carries the risk of listeriosis, a rare and serious infection that is dangerous for pregnant women and their babies.
What are the nutritional benefits of eating burrata during pregnancy?
Burrata is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for pregnant women. Protein helps to build and repair tissues, and calcium is essential for the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Burrata is also a good source of a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
Can pregnant women eat cooked burrata?
Yes, pregnant women can eat cooked burrata as long as it has been cooked to the correct temperature for food safety. According to the Food and Drug Administration, pregnant women should only eat cooked or ready-to-eat hot foods that have been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
