Have you ever wondered why it’s called ‘Swiss cheese’? Or do you buy it because you think it tastes great? The answer to why is has many layers, and you’re about to find out why.
The origin of the wedges of creamy, white, cheerfully pocked cheese found in supermarket fridges the world over goes back more than 800 years. This cheese has been produced throughout parts of continental Europe since long before anyone had thought to call it ‘Swiss cheese’. The scientific name for this cheese is ‘Emmentaler’, named after the Emme Valley in the Swiss Canton of Bern. It’s this region that is widely accepted as the birthplace of this iconic cheese, and it’s why it’s come to be known as ‘Swiss cheese’.
In the 18th Century, Switzerland became the largest cheese exporter in Europe, and all the cheese that was exported had to follow strict guidelines regarding the shape, size and quality. The popularity of Emmentaler began to grow rapidly, and so did the demand for a recognisable name. The practice of gouging holes into the cheese to determine the maturity of the cheese dates back to this period too. It was determined that a cheese with evenly spaced holes throughout made for easier inspection and identification, and so the characteristic features of Swiss cheese were born.
Switzerland has long been world renowned for its cheese-making industry – with its mild, yet complex flavours making it a sought-after delicacy. The country’s unique savoir-faire, combined with its robust geographical and climatic conditions makes it an ideal home for master cheese makers. This, coupled with the stringent regulations in place, means that Switzerland produces some of the world’s finest cheese.
The unique design of Swiss cheese gives it a distinct appearance, as well as a unique taste. The holes added to the cheese are created by adding bacteria cultures that produce carbon dioxide. This releases gas bubbles, which not only give it its distinctively punctuated appearance, but also adds a unique flavour of its own – it’s this, combined with the other individual ingredients that give each cheese its own taste.
The design and flavour of Swiss cheese make it unlike any other cheese in the world and it’s no surprise why it’s become so popular. With its unique and delicious taste, superior quality and sheer variety, it’s easy to see why so many have fallen in love with this delightful cheese!
Ultimately, the reason that Swiss cheese has retained its name over the centuries is down to the geographical region of its birth combined with the stringent regulations to which it is produced. Swiss cheese is recognisable and unparalleled in flavour, and has withstood the test of time to still remain one of the world’s best loved cheeses.
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