Have you ever wondered how to get milk from a herd of buffalo? The bufala in question is not the hump-backed variety that once roamed the Great Plains of the American West, but is instead a species of water buffalo introduced to Italy in the 7th century. The beasts of burden produced such sweet milk that cheese has been produced with it since the 12th century.

The porcelain-white delicacy bears little resemblance to the cow’s milk type, which is more rubbery. Bufala, as it is commonly called, is elastic but soft and creamy with a nearly liquid center. The taste is delicate yet distinctive.

Mozzarella di Bufala is created at caseifici in the Campania region. The milk is heated and curdled, then like bread the curds are stirred and kneaded vigorously. The cheese is then formed into various shapes, ranging from large balls to little marbles, or braided ropes. The product is then soaked in brine. Mozzarella di Bufala should be eaten within a few days of its production.

Why not take a day trip from your Summer in Italy villa to visit one of the caseifici in Campania? There are several that offer guided visits and samples of this classic southern Italy specialty.

Albicocca Vesuviana
Campania is the leading region in apricot cultivation.
Alici di Menaica
The villages scattered all around the Cilento coast maintain a very ancient fishing technique, but non so closely tied to it than the pretty town of Pisciotta.
Aperitivi - Happy Hour Italian Style
A pre-dinner drink for relaxing, socializing and enjoying a glass of vino with a few nibbles – sounds like happy hour!
Burrata
Burrata is a creamy fresh cheese that is a specialty of the Puglia region.
Cacioricotta
Cacioricotta is a soft cheese typical of the Cilento National Park.
Coffee, Italian Style
With more than 250,000 coffee bars within the peninsula, it's obvious that Italians are passionate about coffee.
Colatura di Alici
A specialty of Cetara on the Amalfi Coast is a centuries' old tradition of fish preservation, and the results are delicious.
Fagiolina del Trasimeno
Since 2000, Castiglione del Lago has homed a Slow Food presidium in order to promote and conserve the Fagiolina del Trasimeno.
Italian Coffee Drinks
With more than 250,000 coffee bars within the peninsula, it's obvious that Italians are passionate about coffee.
Italian Happy Hour!
A pre-dinner drink for relaxing, socializing and enjoying a glass of vino with a few nibbles – sounds like happy hour!
Pecorino Bagnolese
Pecorino Bagnolese is a cheese made with raw sheep milk coming from bagnolese ewes.
Prosciutto di Norcia IGP
Prosciutto di Norcia is a cured prosciutto crudo, produced in the mountains of eastern Umbria.
Ragusano DOP Cheese
The Ragusano DOP is one of the oldest cheese traditions on the island of Sicily, and one of the most flavorful, too.
Sicily's Almonds
Sicily has a reputation for its sweets, and many are created with the island's almonds, a tradition for centuries.
Vino Sfuso -Wine Shop
BYOB - And Fill It Up A unique store found in many Italian towns is the cantina for vino sfuso.
Wine Fountain
There is a refreshing font where wine flows freely for anyone who wants it.
Zeppole di San Giuseppe
Saint Joseph's Day is March 19, which is also Father's Day in Italy.
Mamma Agata: Simple and Genuine
If you have searched the web looking for activities to do while vacationing on the Amalfi Coast, there is no doubt that you have already read about Mamma Agata and her incredible cooking school in Ravello.
The Scoop on Sandwiches, Italian Style
We know that dining is one of the highlights of any trip to Italy.
Starting the Day the Italian Way
Forget bacon and eggs.
Have Your Fish, and Clean It Too
Since Italy is a peninsula surrounded by three seas, it is no surprise that seafood makes its appearance on plates all over the country.
Hot Days, Cold Drinks
The dog days of summer…the old expression rings true throughout Italy when the heat hits.
Pazzo for Pizza
Italy is known for its fabulous cuisine, and pizza is probably the item most beloved world-wide.
Liquid Sunshine
Once you have peeled your eyes away from the stupendous scenery of the Amalfi Coast, one of the first things you’re bound to notice is the large lemons hanging from the trees.
Great Roman Wines
The stereotyped image of the Roman 'osteria' is so captivating to condition for centuries the whole regional wine production.
Extra-virgin olive oil of Colline Salernitane
The hills that surround the city of Salerno and stretch from the Amalfi Coast to the Cilento National Park give an extra-virgin olive oil with an intense colour and a unique fruity taste.
Pane di Agerola
Agerola is known as "Città del Pane" - city of bread – nationwide popular brand that recognizes some Italian towns where this product assumes a special value due to the peculiar characteristics.
High-Quality Italian Products
At Summer in Italy we do care about our guests, and this is why, in order to help you making your food shopping in Italy just perfect, we would like to share a few tips about high-quality local products.
Provolone del Monaco DOP
In ancient times, the shepherds in Agerola dressed a big mantle to take shelter from cool and dampness, and reached Naples to sell their products.
White Fig of Cilento DOP
Its unique and special characteristics, very much appreciated even abroad, gives the name to "Fico Bianco del Cilento": once dried, the sweet peel gets light yellow coloured rather than chestnut brown if oven-cooked.
Paestum Artichoke IGP
The 90% of artichoke's production in Campania is concentrated within the province of Salerno, specially into the Plain of Sele.
San Marzano Tomato of Agro Nocerino Sarnese DOP
San Marzano is one of the most acclaimed variety of tomato, grown in the area between Salerno and Naples known as Agro Nocerino-Sarnese.
Hazelnut of Giffoni IGP
The hazelnut of Giffoni IGT, known as "Nocciola di Giffoni" belongs to one of the most precious Italian varieties: Tonda di Giffoni.
Caciocavallo Silano DOP
Caciocavallo Silano is a semi-hard cheese, made with vaccine milk, seasoned 15 days minimum.

Been there? Done that? Share your experience and tips!

Haven't visited yet? Have questions? Ask them here!