Which food item does NOT require ripening before being sold?

Mozzarella cheese is the food item that does not require ripening before being sold. Unlike many other types of cheese, mozzarella is typically made fresh and is meant to be consumed shortly after production. It is a soft cheese that has a high moisture content, and its appeal lies in its fresh flavor and texture.

On the other hand, cheeses like Cheddar, Brie, and Ricotta go through different processes that may involve aging or ripening to develop their flavors and textures fully. Cheddar, for example, can be aged for varying periods to enhance its sharpness, while Brie develops a soft, edible rind through a ripening process. Ricotta, although not aged in the same manner, is still made from the whey after aging other cheeses and is often used fresh but not as a standalone aged product. Therefore, mozzarella's unique production method distinguishes it from the other cheese types in this context.