For centuries, the people of Switzerland have been crafting sumptuous Swiss cheese. It has been an integral part of their cuisine for generations, with Lorraine Swiss being one of the most beloved and popular varieties. But what happened to Lorraine Swiss Cheese? What dealt its downfall and led it to slowly disappear from store shelves?
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The History of Lorraine Swiss Cheese
Lorraine Swiss cheese has been around for centuries. Its origins stretch back to the 16th century, with an artisan by the name of Lorenz Natzer taking it to a new level. It was his production process that truly led to its success and popularity, as well as a strong cheese-making culture that developed in the town of Saint-Ursanne in the Swiss canton of Jura. Unfortunately, the production of Lorraine Swiss cheese has been on the decline in recent years.
The Reasons for its Decline
The exact reasons for Lorraine Swiss cheese’s decline are up for debate, but there are a few factors that have likely contributed. One is the increasing competition from other Swiss cheese varieties, such as Gruyere. Gruyere has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, likely due to its strong, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with fruits and vegetables, making it a perfect addition to any cheese platter.
In addition, the art of Lorraine Swiss cheese has been lost with the traditional methods of production fading away over time. The cheese is very time-intensive to make, with a lengthy aging process and a very specific recipe that must be followed. The modern lifestyle has forced many cheese makers to gravitate to other, easier varieties, leaving the traditional Lorraine Swiss cheese behind.
How to Find Lorraine Swiss Cheese
If you’re looking to enjoy the delightful taste of Lorraine Swiss cheese, you’re in luck! Although it may have fallen from mainstream popularity, a few artisan producers continue to make this classic cheese, and it is still available if you know where to look. The best place to look is specialist cheese shops, especially those that specialise in Swiss cheeses. You may also be able to purchase it online from select sellers.
Don’t Stop Eating Swiss Cheese!
While Lorraine Swiss cheese may no longer be readily available in supermarkets, there are still plenty of Swiss cheese varieties to sample. Gruyere, Tilsiter, Emmental and Appenzeller are all names to look out for when searching for a Swiss cheese with a punchy, nutty flavour. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a key ingredient in a recipe, you can’t go wrong with Swiss cheese – except for when it comes to Lorraine Swiss!
So, while Lorraine Swiss cheese has sadly faded from the mainstream, its legacy lives on through dedicated artisan producers, and there are still plenty of other types of Swiss cheese for you to sample. All in all, while it’s a shame that Lorraine Swiss cheese has become increasingly difficult to find, its effects on Swiss cheese culture remain significant.