Emmental cheese

Emmentaler
Country of origin	Switzerland
Region, town	Bern, Emmental
Source of milk	Cows
Pasteurised	Traditionally, no
Texture	hard
Aging time	2-18 months depending on variety
Certification	Some varieties

Emmentaler or Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard cheese that originated in the area around Emmental, in Switzerland. It is one of the cheeses of Switzerland, and is sometimes known as Swiss cheese. While the denomination "Emmentaler Switzerland" is protected, "Emmentaler" is not; as such, Emmentaler cheeses of other origins, especially from France and Bavaria, are widely available, and even Finland is an exporter of Emmentaler cheese.

Emmentaler has a savoury, but not very sharp taste. Three types of bacteria are used in the production of Emmentaler: Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii. In the late stage of cheese production, P. freudenreichii consumes the lactic acid excreted by the other bacteria, and releases carbon dioxide gas, which slowly forms the bubbles that make holes. Failure to remove CO₂ bubbles during production, due to inconsistent pressing, results in the large holes ("eyes") characteristic of this cheese. Historically, the holes were a sign of imperfection, and until modern times, cheese makers would try to avoid them.^[1] Emmentaler cheese is used in a variety of dishes, including some types of pizza, and ravioli, where it is often accompanied by prosciutto.

Emmentaler in Switzerland in the 21st century

Eighteen-month matured raw milk Emmental AOC Extra by Swiss affineur Rolf Beeler

• Emmentaler Switzerland AOC has been registered since 2000^[2] as an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC).^[3] This “original Emmentaler” must be aged for a minimum of four months. It is produced in a round shape with a natural rind, and aged in traditional cellars. The original Emmentaler exists with different age profiles: classic - four months, reserve - eight months, and Premier Cru - 14 months. It is produced with raw cow's milk, adding only natural ingredients (water, salt, natural starter cultures and rennet). Preservatives or ingredients from genetically modified organisms are not allowed. Emmental AOC is still produced in small rural dairies.

• Emmentaler Switzerland Premier Cru is a special Emmentaler aged for 14 months in humid caves. It was the first cheese from Switzerland to win the title World Champion at the Wisconsin (USA) Cheese World Championships in 2006.^[4] It was nominated best cheese among over 1,700 competitors.^[5] For this achievement, it has received a place in the Historic Museum in Bern, Switzerland.

In cooking, it is often put on top of gratins, or dishes which are put in the oven to let the cheese melt and become golden-brown and crusty. It is also used for fondue, in which case it is mixed with Gruyère cheese.

Emmentaler outside Switzerland

Several varieties of Emmentaler or Emmental have certification, these include:

• Allgäuer Emmentaler, from Bavaria, Germany, has PDO status^[6]
• Emmental de Savoie, from Savoie, France, has PGI status^[7]
• Emmental français est-central from Franche-Comté, France, also has PGI status^[8]

See also

• Jarlsberg cheese
• Leerdammer
• Maasdam cheese
• Greve
• Culinary Heritage of Switzerland

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Emmental (cheese).

• Emmentaler in the online Culinary Heritage of Switzerland database.
• Cook's Thesaurus: Semi-Firm Cheeses