How can I choose the best Gruyere?

member of the Swiss cheese family, Gruyere is rich, hard, cow's milk cheese with walnut, slightly sweet taste, sometimes with tones of mushrooms. Although all types of Gruyere share certain properties, they differ slightly in taste and character based on the age of cheeses and manufacturers. So, when choosing the best type, consider what your taste is and what you will use for. For example, younger cheeses tend to be softer with a milder taste; With bolder flavors are heavier varieties. In general, Gruyere d'Alpage is widely considered to be the highest quality quality. Outside Switzerland, the best places to find high quality varieties are usually in cheeses and specialized shops or by order.

Gruyere bears the designation of D'Im Origine control (AOC) or protected original designation, indicating that only cheese produced in the Gruyere valley can be sold as Gruyere. Although it ensures a certain level of quality, there is still a large variety among types. The first step in choosing the right variety is to consider which flavors will bework with the food you are preparing. The flavors range from sweet and walnut to earthy and pungent. Cheese can be used in different ways, including sandwiches, quiche, as fondue ingredients, molten on French onion soup or just consume.

cheese age plays a big role in the differences between this craft cheese. Gruyere's earthy, bold taste deepens with age, so if you prefer fine cheese, decide for younger cheese. Younger cheeses are also softer, so they are ideal for melting; At the age of varieties, they are heavier and with slight crystallization.

There are three main classifications Gruyere: Classic, Reserve and D'Alpage. Classic is a younger cheese that ages for at least five months. The reserve variety is old, older cheese of the best wheels that have been 10 to 16 months old. Some reserves are caves aged, which gives them toasted after 12 months. Finally, although Gruyere d'alpage is old PIt is considered to be the best diversity of this type of cheese for 5 to 10 months. Made only from special Tarines cow's milk, type D'Alpage is only available from April or May to October, making it a seasonal delicacy.

In general, you will find the best quality Gruyere in the best quality stores. If your city or city has cheese mongger or fromggerie, do the first stop. Their products will usually be fresher and better than what you find in the supermarket. In addition, people in the cheese store can better help find a variety that suits your tastes, needs and budget. It often allows you to try samples to help you decide. For a fun evening, select several different kinds and guest tasting cheese to determine your favorite. If you do not have a Store specialty in the area, another option to find the best quality and diversity is the order order.