When it comes to cheese, Switzerland ranks at the top of the list for most people. That’s because Swiss cheese has long been recognized for its unique flavor and famous holes. But what exactly is Swiss cheese?
Swiss cheese is a generic, semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. Its flavor is mild and nutty with a distinctive ‘rind’ that is rounded and orange in colour. It has a creamy yellow colour and an open textured, ‘grainy’ or ‘flaky’ texture due to air pockets of varying sizes.
The most notable aspect of Swiss cheese is of course its famous ’holes’. This is because of a natural process of fermentation which creates carbon dioxide. This gas builds up pressure and pushes outwards, eventually forming bubbles in the cheese. The more gas that is produced, the larger the Swiss cheese holes become.
The holes are so synonymous with Swiss cheese that some cheeses now have ‘holes’ injected with gas or air to create that classic Swiss cheese taste. Unfortunately, this means that some Swiss cheeses are better than others when it comes to finding those famous ‘holes’.
Overall though, Swiss cheese is relatively easy to come by and a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and snacks. It can also be used on pizzas, pastas and in casseroles, giving every dish a subtle nutty flavour.
In conclusion, Swiss cheese is a great addition to any meal and its characteristic ‘holes’ will add an extra bit of flavour to any dish. Whether you put it on a salad, pizza or sandwich, Swiss cheese is sure to make your meal one to remember – and let’s face it, the more cheese, the funner the meal!