Switzerland – a taste of cheese and chocolate

27Feb
by Kamila Pala

Switzerland, surrounded by the Alps and glacial lakes, is known worldwide for its picturesque nature, history, and unique culinary specialties.

Let’s talk a little bit more about the local variety of cheeses and delicious creamy chocolate!

The history of cheese production dates back to the 12th century. Local cheeses are made from the milk of cows that graze on alpine meadows, so they have a special aroma, plenty of protein and calcium. And which cheeses are most famous? They are all world famous, perhaps you have heard of Emmental, the cheese with holes! Or the aromatic Gruyère, Appenzeller, Raclette du Valais or Tète de Moine, whose shape resembles a monk's head, are popular.
The world's favorite chocolates are famous for their velvety taste. They are also made from the milk of local cows. The first manufactories began to emerge at the end of the 19th century, and Toblerone and Cailler are among the oldest. Other currently famous brands are Lindt, or Frey. Small family companies are also very popular. My favorite brands are Sprungli, Bachmann, and Laderach.
Around 200,000 tons of chocolate are produced annually, and more than half of the production is exported to the whole world. Their biggest customer is the United States.

GOOD TO KNOW:

  • Switzerland (capital Bern) is officially a Swiss Confederation with a population of 8,500,000.
  • This small country has 4 official languages – German, French, Italian and Romansch.
  • Switzerland is not part of EU and has Swiss franc currency.
  • Visitors can admire and explore more than 1.500 lakes, THOUSANDS of ski slopes, bike routes and hiking trails.
  • The country is famous for being the watch-making capital of the world.
  • There are two other famous and traditional industries: chocolate and cheese production!
MY TIP: If you like cheese and chocolate or both, it is likely to be very worthwhile to visit some local authentic production sites like EMMENTALER dairy (AOP) production in Affoltern. I really liked the small place in the valley of the river Emme in the canton of Bern.
And another fantastic place you can discover is in the medieval town of Le Gruyère (canton Fribourg) with its beautiful castle that really makes it appear like a fairy tale. And in the foothills – La Maison du GRUYÈRE – cheese dairy really is an opportunity to view the hand-made production of the widely known cheese “Le Gruyère AOP”. Visitors will learn anything between the ranges of history all the way to the rules of cheese production and its distribution in an interesting way.
And the sweet spot at the end of the excursion – in the nearby town of Broc – discover La Maison du CAILLER which is the oldest chocolate brand that still exists in Switzerland. It includes an unforgettable tour into “the world of chocolate” that awaits you! Moreover, you will remember the smell of the sweet aroma of chocolate long after your visit!
The most memorable time to visit is certainly during spring! In local restaurants you can order, typical dishes like cheese fondue or raclette or maybe hot chocolate? Meanwhile you can enjoy the view of blooming green meadows and peacefully grazing local cows.

21 thoughts on “Switzerland – a taste of cheese and chocolate”

  3. Anastasios's avatar

    Anastasios

    Wow Kamila, what a nicely written article! It really makes me want to visit those places a lot! Luckily I know that Champagne is also easy to find all around haha Therefore, top class cheese and chocolate is all around to combine with some bubbles. Nothing that I would love more!!! We are sooting you one day soon I hope 😃👋👋👋

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