The Cheese Plate
Dear fellow food-lover,

Swiss cheese is special. From mild and creamy to strong and bold flavors—there is something to suit every palate.
Cheeses from Switzerland
There is one thing that all Swiss cheeses have in common: character. Why? They are produced in line with old traditions, with locally sourced milk and great craftsmanship. Learn about five wonderful cheeses below, all presented by Cheeses from Switzerland.
A Spotlight on Swiss Cheese
This is one of Switzerland's most flavorful cheeses. It is made with pure, raw cow's milk from cows fed solely on the rich grass and herb mix found in the beautiful Alpine region known as the Alpstein. Its unique, tangy flavor is owed to the careful process lasting at least three months involving an herbal brine. The recipe for this herbal brine is a strictly guarded secret.

The specific way Le Gruyère AOP is matured in Switzerland allows for the development of special flavors and aromas similar to those of browned butter and toasted nuts. As it ages, this cheese develops deep hints of umami and a distinct savoriness.  

This cheese gets its bold character and incomparable flavor from the environment in which it is made—the monastery of Bellelay. It is in this region, that this cheese was created 800 years ago. It is not cut, rather twisted into fine rosettes with a paring device such as a Girolle or Pirouette. The paring of the cheese not only modifies the structure of the body but also facilitates the full development of the flavor and thus enhanced enjoyment.

This famous cheese is easily distinguishable thanks to its holes that are formed during the maturation process. It gets its name from the valley of the River Emme in the Bern canton, and is produced in around 110 village creameries with fresh, untreated milk. Around 12 liters of milk are required to make one kilogram of cheese! Additives and genetically modified ingredients are never added.

Raclette dates back to 1291 and the tradition is still enjoyed today! Raclette Suisse is made with herbs that grow in meadows north of the Alps and perfectly embodies Swiss tradition and culture. The perfect melting cheese—it is easy to prepare and can be varied in endless ways using refined ingredients.

AOP Status
The Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) recognizes a level of quality granted uniquely to typical products, deeply rooted in a region that gives it a specific character and an inimitable flavor. The AOP label guarantees the authenticity of products made according to traditional know-how.

Fondue Inspiration
Cheese fondue is a Swiss tradition and a great way to bring people together! After all, what better way to bond than over delicious melted cheese? We recommend a 3 cheese fondue with Le Gruyére AOP, Appenzeller and Emmentaler AOP, but the combinations are endless! Here are some great recipes that you and your loved ones can enjoy together.

Adventures for Cheese Lovers Await
Join us in 2023 for a trip to Switzerland & Northern Italy
Keep in touch!
The Cheese Plate is made possible through the generous support of Emmi RothGruyère AOPParmigiano ReggianoFoodMatch, Gourmet–Food, and Whole Foods Market.