Mozzarella di Testa

Mozzarella di Testa is a traditional Italian head cheese made from the head of a calf, lamb, or pig, slow-cooked until tender and then set in a savory aspic. It's a rustic charcuterie item, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, vinegar, and herbs like bay leaves or cloves. This specialty is particularly associated with the regions of Lazio and Campania.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat, with virtually no carbohydrates. It's a rich source of collagen and minerals like iron and zinc, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	290 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	580 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Zinc	4.2 mg
Vitamin B12	1.8 µg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Selenium	15 µg
Niacin (B3)	3.0 mg
Cholesterol	85 mg
Collagen	High (est. 8-12 g)

Per 1 slice (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a prime example of 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), utilizing the whole animal to minimize waste. Nutritionally, its high collagen content from the slow-cooked head and skin is prized for supporting joint and skin health.