Here is a list of Swiss cheeses that you should try if you enjoy trying new and unique cheeses.
1) Emmental: Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard cheese that is known for its characteristic holes or “eyes.” This cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a sweet and nutty taste. Emmental is one of the most popular cheeses in Switzerland and can be used in various dishes like sandwiches, fondue, and quiches.
2) Gruyere: Gruyere is a semi-hard cheese that is made from whole cow’s milk, and it is named after the town of Gruyeres, in the Fribourg region of Switzerland. Gruyere is popular for its distinct flavor, which is described as nutty, salty, and slightly sweet. It is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it perfect for fondue and sandwiches.
3) Raclette: Raclette is another popular Swiss cheese, which is made from cow’s milk. It is known for its ability to melt quickly, making it perfect for melting over potatoes, vegetables, or meats. Raclette cheese has a rich, nutty flavor that is slightly sweet, making it a favorite among cheese lovers.
4) Tete de Moine: Tete de Moine is a semi-hard cheese that is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. The cheese is cylindrical in shape and has a thin, ridged rind. The cheese is served in small, delicate curls, and you can use a special tool called “Girolle” to create the curls. This cheese has a unique flavor that is nutty, creamy, and slightly spicy.
5) Appenzeller: Appenzeller is a hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a spicy or herbal flavor that is slightly tangy. Appenzeller is aged for around six months, and during this time, the cheese is washed with a mixture of wine, cider, or herbs, which gives the cheese its distinctive tangy flavor.
6) Sbrinz: Sbrinz is a hard cheese that is made from raw cow’s milk. It is aged for about three years and has a dry texture with a salty, nutty flavor. Sbrinz is used mostly as a grating cheese and is perfect for topping pasta dishes or as a garnish for salads.
7) Vacherin Fribourgeois: Vacherin Fribourgeois is a soft cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Vacherin Fribourgeois is often used in traditional Swiss dishes such as Fondue and Raclette.
Switzerland’s cheese is not only famous for its taste, but it’s also known for its quality. The country has strict regulations for cheese-making, and all Swiss cheeses must meet certain standards to be classified as Swiss. This guarantees that you’ll always have a high-quality cheese when you try one of Switzerland’s cheeses.
In conclusion, Switzerland’s cheese industry is essential to the country’s economy, and its rich history is not to be ignored. The country has developed some of the world’s best and most unique types of cheese that demand a place on any food enthusiast’s list of must-try dishes. These weren’t all of Switzerland’s cheeses, but if you are in Switzerland, these are some that you don’t want to miss.