The Sele River plain has fertile farm fields known for artichokes and some claim the worlds best handmade, artisanal mozzarella. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Mozzarella dairy outlets are everywhere in the Campania region. This billboard advertises one near the Greek ruins of Paestum. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Making mozzarella at the Tenuta Vannulo dairy near Paestum. The name of the cheese comes from the Italian verb mozzare, which means to lop or cut. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Warm globules of the cheese start to take shape. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
The mozzarella will be scooped into plastic bags filled with keeping water, packaged the way pet stores sell goldfish. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Huge Italian buffaloes these are from the Seliano farm near Capaccio Scalo provide the milk that produces top-quality mozzarella. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
The 12th-century church of the Madonna del Granato is seen above the Sele Plain. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
On the highest point of Paestum is the temple of Athena. The Greek colony itself was founded around 600 BC with three majestic Doric-columned temples. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
