Have you always been curious about what is Swiss cheese made of? Then you have come to the right place – the land of cheese kings, Switzerland! Our land is known for its delicious fondue and delectable bites of cheese – and most especially, the iconic Swiss cheese that has become one of its symbols. But what exactly is Swiss cheese made of?
The Ingredients Behind Switzerland’s Famous Cheese
Swiss cheese is a type of hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. This type of cheese is native to Switzerland and is characterized by its distinctive holes, known as “eyes”. As with many other types of cheese, the ingredients for Swiss cheese include milk, starter, rennet, and cheese cultures. Milk is heated, both to pasteurize it and to denature the protein, allowing the cheese to stretch when melted. A starter culture is added to the milk which helps to acidify it; the lactic acid produced by the starter culture creates a favorable environment for the rennet, which is an enzyme that coagulates the milk proteins, helping the cheese achieve its texture and when combined with the action of the rennet, gives the cheese its signature feature of large holes called “eyes”.
Cheese cultures provide the necessary components for adding complexity to the cheese. The bacteria used in the starter culture the cheese ferment some of the lactose in the milk, producing lactic acid, which gives Swiss cheese its characteristic flavor. The cultures also help develop the characteristic mottled appearance, aroma, flavor, and texture.
How Is Swiss Cheese Made?
Step one of the process is creation of curd: When the cheese has achieved its desired acidity, it is cut into small cubes, then heated to release the whey and strengthen the curds. The curds are then mixed with a brine solution and heated further to a temperature of 25-30°C before being pressed into moulds. Once the moulds are full, the cheese is “hooped” with a wire strainer in order to expel any excess moisture. The cheese is then left for an aging period of up to a year. During this time, the native bacteria in the cheese continue to metabolize the lactose in the milk and produce lactic acid, thereby increasing the acidity of the cheese and developing its flavor and texture.
Once this process is complete, the cheese is tested for texture, aroma, and flavor. Finally, it is packaged and shipped to stores.
So while it might look like Swiss cheese is made by a cheese-loving wizard with a few tricks up his sleeve using magical ingredients, it’s really just the careful process of cheese making coupled with proper aging that create the unique flavor and texture of Swiss cheese you know and love. So don’t be afraid to try your hand at making your own Swiss cheese and show the wizard who’s boss!
Swiss cheese, with its creamy taste and airy texture, is a delightful addition to any meal, not to mention a great conversation starter. It’s no wonder Swiss cheese is so beloved all over the world! And now you know the answer to the question you’ve been asking: What is Swiss cheese made of?