Think cheese and it is very likely that Switzerland comes to your mind. A country where cheese making is integral to its culture, Swiss cheese is as famous as its world-renowned watches, chocolates and mountains. Deeply ingrained in the country’s identity, livestock farming is one of the main occupations of Swiss farmers who have been making cheese as a traditional way to preserve milk. The country’s lush pastures and climatic conditions, provide the best fodder for its cattle resulting in the best quality milk which is the ideal base for Swiss cheese.  It is key to note that there are over 450 varieties of cheese that are prepared in the country!

Emmentaler: King of Swiss Cheese

Often referred to as the Swiss cheese with holes, Emmentaler cheese is one of the country’s most famous cheese in addition to Appenzeller and Gruyère cheese. With a delectable flavour that varies with age, this semi hard cheese is replete with nutty, sweet and spicy notes.  Native to Emmental which is an idyllic region punctuated with forests and pastures in western Switzerland, this cheese is an artisanal product made locally using the milk of cows that have been fed only grass and hay without any silage.  Made without the use of additives or genetically modified ingredients, it takes about 12 liters of unadulterated milk to one kg of cheese. 

The most important feature of this cheese are its holes that are formed during the fermentation process wherein the propionic bacteria break down lactic acid to form propionic and acetic acid as well as carbon dioxide.  The released carbon dioxide gas is responsible for the holes in the cheese. 

The highly controlled fermentation and maturation process gives Emmentaler its renowned taste, texture and quality.  It is key to note that Emmentaler cheese is ideal for individuals who are lactose intolerant as the lactose is broken into lactic acid by the lactic acid bacteria in the first 24 hours.   Every Emmentaler cheese wheel bears a reference number of the local cheese dairy where it was produced along with the AOP label (protected designation of origin) which certifies its quality as well as origin. 

Show-dairy in Affoltern in Emmental

If you are looking to witness the production of Emmentaler, the show-dairy in Affoltern in Emmental is the perfect place to visit. Also called Emmentaler Schaukaeserei, this one can be easily done as a day trip from Zurich. While here you can take a short but delightful self guided tour on the history and salient features of Emmentaler and what makes it so famous. This is called the King’s Way Tour.

You can also watch cheese makers in action as the curd is filled into the press (molds) and also witness how the label is applied.

In the same complex you can also visit the Stöckli, dating to 1741. This one is akin to a journey back in time where you can witness the way cheese was produced in the yesteryears. Replete with the tools and equipment of the past, this one forms for a compelling visit.

Further you can shop for a variety of cheeses, visit the restaurant and also the bakery for some delectable cakes and cookes.

After your visit take a stroll along the picturesque town of Affoltern in Emmental. With historic buildings like the granary that dates to the 17th century, this one is an ideal example of a quintessentially charming Swiss village. Dotted with lush green landscapes, timber houses with gabled roofs and endearingly decorated window sills, this village is straight from the pages of a fairy tale book.

An edited version of this article was originally published in India Currents here.