The original Emmentaler comes from Switzerland from the Emmental. The cheese is made in huge wheels. Nowadays it is offered in all supermarkets, however, they are often just “copies” of the real Emmentaler, because the term Emmentaler cheese was never protected. The real, original Swiss Emmentaler is usually only available in a specialty cheese store.
This is what you should know about Emmentaler
Emmentaler, which is usually 45 percent fat, has a yellowish-white rind, an ivory to yellow and elastic paste, and many holes up to 3 cm in size, which are equally typical of the cheese. The people, who settled in the areas of the Swiss Alps in the 13th century, fed themselves at that time almost exclusively on cereal soup and muesli. It was not until the 17th century that the production of cheese began here, so that the menu could be expanded. However, the Swiss alpine dairymen soon produced a surplus of cheese, which was used for trade and was a good source of income. As demand quickly soared, the Swiss alpine dairymen suddenly became enormously wealthy, although this changed with the first larger cheese dairies that settled in the valleys over time. The traditional production of Emmentaler is made with raw milk. This is predominant in Switzerland, Allgäu and Vorarlberg. Emmentaler, which is usually 45 percent fat, has a yellowish-white rind, an ivory to yellow and elastic paste, and many holes up to 3 cm in size, which are also typical of the cheese. The size and shape of the holes in Emmentaler can tell a lot about the degree as well as completeness of ripeness. Extremely large, too small or oval instead of round holes can indicate poor ripening of the cheese, which then develops different flavors and may even be somewhat bitter. A good Emmentaler should have round holes of different sizes as well as a spicy and slightly nutty flavor. Emmental is a firm semi-hard cheese. It requires up to 16 months of storage until it is perfectly matured. After this ripening period, Emmentaler has a hard, yellow-brown rind. The taste is mildly aromatic and nutty. The older it gets, the stronger the flavor becomes.
Importance for health
That cheese in general is very good for health, most people know. It is as healthy as the milk from which the cheese is made. It provides the important nutrients of milk in a concentrated form. Emmental cheese is particularly rich in calcium, which ensures strong and healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is also very important for the muscles as well as blood clotting. A small piece of cheese, for example, helps prevent osteoporosis. Just 100 grams of Emmental cheese already covers the daily requirement. The absorption of calcium is additionally promoted by the vitamin D content in cheese. The phosphorus requirement is covered with 100 grams to 65 per cent. In addition, the zinc contained in the cheese strengthens the immune system. The daily requirement of zinc is covered with 100 grams of Emmentaler to about one third. As a valuable source of vitamins, protein as well as minerals, Emmentaler is an essential part of a healthy and varied diet, because the body is also supplied with vitamin B12, which is responsible, for example, for a good energy metabolism, a functioning immune system as well as for the formation of red blood cells.
Ingredients and nutritional values
Emmental is healthy. It is a top source of calcium, also provides vitamin A, which is important for good vision, vitamin B2, which gives energy and supports growth, vitamin B12, which provides blood formation, and vitamin D, which regulates calcium balance. 100 grams of cheese contain about 30 grams of the valuable milk protein, in which all the amino acids necessary for life are found. The protein building blocks must be ingested regularly with food, because they serve, for example, cell renewal. Since the milk protein contained in cheese is of very high quality, meat can be dispensed with completely without any problems. Emmental also has a low salt content and is lactose-free, so that even people with lactose intolerance tolerate Emmental very well.
Intolerances and allergies
Emmental contains histamine, so people who suffer from histamine intolerance may not tolerate the cheese.The symptoms usually become noticeable a few minutes to a few hours after consumption. It is possible for multiple areas to be affected, such as the skin, cardiovascular system, digestive and genital tracts.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying cheese with holes, make sure that they are not so large, because in that case the cheese has undergone too rapid ripening at high temperatures. Emmental with smaller holes has a better quality. It is best placed in a non-air-tight can in the refrigerator in the vegetable compartment. However, a moist cellar is considered the best place for the cheese. For wrapping, a special coated cheese paper can be taken or the cheese can be placed in a cheese cover. Emmental is available as a wheel of cheese, but also as solid pieces of the wheel and as slices of cheese. Emmental bought loose and in pieces tastes better than slices. It keeps longer because it does not dry out. The rind should be cut off only before eating, as it protects against loss of moisture as well as spoilage. Cheese should be frozen only in case of emergency, because the low temperatures change the structure and taste. Thawed cheese can be used for gratinating or cooking.
Preparation tips
Emmental is used in both cold and hot cooking. It is the most famous cheese due to its mild and spicy taste and is very popular as a topping for all kinds of bread imaginable. It is suitable, for example, as a decoration on a cheese platter as well as for gratinating various casseroles and for gratinating. Grated cheese can also be added to pasta dishes of all kinds. This always gives the dishes a particularly hearty flavor. When gratinating dishes with Emmental, it should be taken into account that the melting time of the hard cheese is longer than, for example, with softer cheeses. Therefore, it should be added to the dishes in time. Cheese cubes are also often mixed into salads. At a party, skewers with cheese and grapes are often prepared thanks to its cut resistance, as Emmental is also delicious with sweets. Whatever it is used for, it is basically a good flavor carrier due to its good aroma and intense flavor reminiscent of walnuts.
