Swiss Cheese: The Holes Are What Make It So Tasty

Swiss cheese is definitely one of those interesting cheeses! It’s like regular cheese, but with bubbles throughout. You might wonder why anyone would want cheese with holes in it, but those holes are actually what make Swiss cheese special.

The holes add to the unique taste and texture of Swiss cheese. When you take a bite, you get that delicious cheesy flavor along with airy pockets that make it lighter and creamier than solid cheese. It’s almost like the holes help spread the flavor around even more! So next time you’re at the cheese counter, don’t be afraid to try Swiss cheese. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy its holey goodness!

The History of Swiss Cheese:

Swiss cheese has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to the time of the Romans. But the Swiss cheese we know and love today originated in the Emmental region of Switzerland in the 1100s.

Monks in Switzerland started making Swiss cheese around that time, aging wheels of cheese in caves. The holes in Swiss cheese, known as “eyes,” were originally seen as imperfections. But over time, the eyes became a sign of quality and flavor. Consumers grew to expect and prefer the holes in their cheese.

A Protected Tradition:

In the 15th century, Swiss cheese gained recognition as a delicacy, and the Swiss government protected the name “Emmentaler” to denote cheese from that region. This helped cheese gain worldwide fame. Only cheese aged in traditional Swiss caves and made according to strict standards can be called “Swiss” or “Emmentaler” cheese.

Gaining Popularity:

Swiss cheese gained popularity outside of Switzerland, especially in the United States, in the early 1900s. As refrigeration improved and rail travel made transporting cheese easier, the delicious, holey cheese spread around the world. American soldiers who traveled to Europe during World War I and World War II grew fond of Swiss cheese and brought their love of it back home.

Swiss Cheese Today:

While Swiss cheese is still made using traditional methods, production has become more streamlined. About 450 dairies in Switzerland produce over 200,000 tons of Emmentaler cheese each year. Much of this cheese is exported around the globe, especially to Germany, Italy, France and the United States. Genuine cheese remains a premium product, sought after for its distinctive flavor, texture, aroma and, of course, those iconic holes.

How Swiss Cheese Is Made:

Swiss cheese gets its iconic holes from carbon dioxide bubbles that form during the cheesemaking process. To make cheese, dairy farmers first milk cows, usually Holsteins, and collect the milk. The milk is then heated, cultured, and rennet is added to thicken it into curds. The curds are then pressed into large wheels.

Aging the Cheese:

The wheels are aged in a process called affinage. As the cheese ages, small holes develop from bacteria that release gas. Propionibacterium freudenreichii is the bacterium responsible for the holes in Swiss cheese. The bacteria feed on the lactic acid in the cheese and produce propionic acid and carbon dioxide gas as byproducts.

Creating the Holes:

• The carbon dioxide forms tiny bubbles that get trapped inside the pliable cheese.
• Over time, the bubbles get bigger and create the holes.
• The longer the cheese ages, the bigger the holes become.
• As the cheese continues to age, it also develops a nutty, caramel-like flavor.
• Aging Swiss cheese is an art form. Skilled cheesemakers monitor the wheels carefully in temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms.
• They regularly flip and rub the wheels to promote even aging. If there are too many holes too quickly, the cheese can become unstable.
• Not enough holes, and it’s not really Swiss cheese.
• The cheesemakers have to get it just right to produce the characteristic flavor, texture, and holey-ness that Swiss cheese is known for.

Enjoy Your Swiss Cheese!:

Once aged to perfection, the Swiss cheese wheels are ready to be enjoyed. Whether on a sandwich, burger, or cheese board, Swiss cheese’s mild nutty and buttery flavor and distinctive holes make it a favorite for cheese lovers everywhere. All thanks to some very busy little bacteria!

The Different Types of Swiss Cheese:

Swiss cheese comes in many varieties, ranging from mild to pungent. The types are classified based on how long they’re aged, their fat content, and any added spices or flavors.

1. Emmentaler:

Emmentaler is probably what you picture when you think of Swiss cheese—it’s the cheese with the large, irregular holes. Made from cow’s milk, Emmentaler has a slightly nutty, buttery flavor. As it ages, the flavors become more complex and the texture softens. Emmentaler is best enjoyed on its own, in fondue, or melted on sandwiches and burgers.

2. Gruyere:

Gruyere is a hard, dense cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy, nutty flavor with notes of brown butter. Gruyere is often described as having an almost crystalline texture when aged. It melts beautifully and is commonly used in fondue, croque-monsieur sandwiches, and French onion soup.

3. Raclette:

Raclette is a semi-soft cheese made from cow’s milk. It has an earthy, herbaceous flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Raclette is meant to be melted over potatoes, bread, or cured meats. As it melts, its flavor becomes richer and more complex. Raclette pairs well with white wine, cornichons, pickled onions, and charcuterie.

4. Tête de Moine:

• Tête de Moine translates to “monk’s head” and is named after the monk who first made this cheese.
• Made from raw cow’s milk, Tête de Moine has a dense, crumbly texture and an intense, savory flavor with notes of nuts and grass.
• As it ages, Tête de Moine develops tangy, fruity undertones.
• It is often served by shaving thin slivers from the wheel of cheese using a special tool called a girolle.
• With so many varieties, cheese offers something for every taste.
• Sample a few types to discover your favorites, then stock up and start enjoying in all your favorite recipes!

Why Swiss Cheese Has Holes:

Those distinctive holes in cheese are what give it so much character and flavor. As the cheese ages, small holes form throughout the wedge, ranging from pinprick-sized to the size of a quarter. But why exactly does Swiss cheese have holes?

It’s All About the Bacteria:

The holes in cheese are caused by bacteria called Propionibacterium freudenreichii. These bacteria release carbon dioxide gas as they consume lactic acid during the aging process. The carbon dioxide forms tiny bubbles in the cheese curds, which create the characteristic holes. The longer the cheese ages, the more time the bacteria have to feast and release gas, so the more and larger holes that develop.

The Magic of Emmentaler:

True Swiss cheese, like Emmentaler, is made from cow’s milk and aged for a minimum of 5 to 6 months. During this aging period, the bacteria go to work creating the holes and complex flavors we know and love. The key is keeping the temperature warm enough for the bacteria to thrive, around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temperatures will slow down the bacteria and reduce hole formation.

Enjoy the Flavor:

The holes in Swiss cheese do more than just provide an interesting appearance. They actually help create its nutty, tangy flavor. As the carbon dioxide forms pockets, it carries aromatic compounds that give cheese its distinctive taste. The holes also allow for more surface area of the cheese to be exposed to air, which helps the flavor develop further during aging.

Next time you enjoy a slice of cheese, appreciate those little holes. They’re what give the cheese its character, flavor, and name. Without them, it just wouldn’t be cheese. The bacteria behind the magic of Swiss cheese have been working for centuries to create a deliciously holey and flavorful product. What could be better?

How to Use Swiss Cheese in Cooking and Pairings:

Swiss cheese is extremely versatile and works well in many recipes. Its mild nutty flavor pairs nicely with fruits, meats, and vegetables. Here are some of the most popular ways to use Swiss cheese in your cooking.

Sandwiches and Burgers:

Swiss cheese melts beautifully and is a perfect addition to hot sandwiches. Add a few slices to your burger or grilled cheese for extra flavor. The melty, gooey cheese will take your sandwich to the next level. Swiss also pairs great with deli meats like ham, turkey, and roast beef.

Fondue:

Swiss cheese was made for fondue. Grate cheese and mix it with wine or beer, then heat until bubbly. Use cubes of bread, apples, and vegetables to dip in the cheesy goodness. Fondue is a fun, social dish that allows everyone to get involved in the cooking and eating.

Mac and Cheese:

For a creamy mac and cheese, mix shredded Swiss into the sauce. The Swiss adds a nutty, buttery flavor to the dish. You can also sprinkle extra Swiss on top before baking for a cheesy, bubbly casserole.

Scrambled Eggs:

To make your scrambled eggs extra special, stir in shredded cheese while cooking. The cheese will melt into the eggs, adding flavor to every bite. cheese scrambled eggs are delicious on their own, but also pair well with sides like hash browns, bacon, and toast.

Salads:

Cube cheese and add it to your salad for a creamy, salty topping. Swiss pairs nicely with greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette. You can also make a cheese salad by mixing greens with cheese, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and your favorite veggies.

Whether in a sandwich, salad, or fondue pot, cheese adds a distinctive nutty and buttery flavor to your cooking. Experiment by trying Swiss cheese in some of your favorite recipes or by pairing it with different meats, fruits, and vegetables. The possibilities for using Swiss cheese in your kitchen are endless!

Conclusion:

There’s something special about Swiss cheese, right? Those cool holes aren’t just for show, they actually help create that sweet, nutty flavor we all love. Even though they might make you think you’re getting less cheese, the taste is totally worth it.

Next time you’re grocery shopping, grab a block of Swiss. Slice it up, take a bite, and let those holes melt in your mouth. The flavor is unlike any other cheese out there. With its mild taste and fun holes, Swiss cheese might just become your new favorite. So give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.