Discovering the Bold Flavours of Appenzeller Cheese
Switzerland is not just famous for its watches, mountains, and chocolate. It is also home to some of the world’s most delicious and traditional cheeses. One of the standout Swiss cheeses is Appenzeller – a firm, spicy, and unique cheese that has been cherished for centuries. With its intense taste and secret herbal brine, Appenzeller isn’t just a cheese; it’s a part of Switzerland’s proud dairy heritage.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we make it our mission to connect people with outstanding cheeses, and Appenzeller holds a special place on our shelves. Today, we want to take you through the fascinating world of this cheese and share its story, flavour, and how you can enjoy it at home.
Where Appenzeller Cheese Comes From
Appenzeller cheese hails from the Appenzell region of northeast Switzerland. This beautiful area is surrounded by green hills, farmland, and old-fashioned villages where traditions are still strong. Locals have been making this cheese for over 700 years, sticking to age-old methods passed down from one generation to the next.
The cows that produce the milk for Appenzeller graze on meadow grasses rich in herbs and flowers. This natural diet gives their milk a sweet and creamy character, which shines through in the final cheese. Appenzeller isn’t mass-produced; it’s made by a group of skilled cheesemakers who still follow traditional recipes.
When we explore the Swiss cheese world, it’s clear that Appenzeller stands out for its fiery character. It has a loyal following, especially among those who enjoy cheese with personality and depth.
The Secret Behind the Flavour
What makes Appenzeller so unique is its mysterious rind treatment. Every wheel is regularly washed with a special herbal brine. This spicy mix of wine, cider, herbs, and secret ingredients is what gives the cheese its signature flavour. Even today, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a few.
This regular washing helps create the golden-brown rind and adds strong, tangy, and spicy flavours to the cheese. As the cheese ages, the taste grows even richer and more powerful. You can actually choose between three main types, based on how long the cheese is aged:
- Appenzeller Mildly Spicy (Classic) – Aged around three months, perfect for those new to Swiss cheeses.
- Appenzeller Surchoix (Strong) – Matured for at least four to six months, offering a stronger kick.
- Appenzeller Extra (Extra Strong) – Aged over six months, it packs the boldest punch and is best enjoyed by seasoned cheese lovers.
What Does Appenzeller Taste Like?
Those who try Appenzeller for the first time often find it memorable. The cheese is firm in texture, slightly crumbly when cut, but creamy on the tongue. At first bite, there’s a nutty, fruity taste, but then the herbal and spicy notes begin to shine. It leaves a warm, zesty tingle on the tongue that lingers longer than most other cheeses.
If you enjoy cheeses like Gruyère or Comté, you’ll be happy to know Appenzeller shares some of their smoothness but with much more attitude. It is the kind of cheese that demands attention, so it works well on a cheeseboard or in dishes where you want something bold.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we often recommend Appenzeller to anyone looking to try something truly authentic and powerful in taste. You can find it online from the Cheese Shop Nantwich website, ready to be delivered straight to your door.
Traditional Methods That Still Matter
What gives Appenzeller such charm is how little the cheesemaking process has changed over the centuries. In small dairies across Appenzell, local farmers bring their raw milk early each morning. The cheesemakers heat the milk gently in copper vats, add a natural starter culture, and then rennet to thicken it. The curds are cut, stirred, and moulded into large wheels.
After pressing and salting, the care doesn’t stop. Each wheel is washed and rubbed regularly with the herbal brine – sometimes up to three times a week. It is this regular loving attention that brings out the deep flavour we taste. After that, the cheese is aged in cellars on wooden shelves, where it develops its character slowly over time.
No artificial additives, no shortcuts. Just time, patience, and experienced hands. That is something we really value at Cheese Shop Nantwich.
How to Enjoy Appenzeller at Home
Appenzeller is incredibly versatile. Its rich taste makes it perfect on any cheeseboard. Pair it with dark rye bread or crusty sourdough to let the flavours shine. A tangy chutney, dried figs, or some fresh apples also balance its zing perfectly.
Do you enjoy melting cheeses? Appenzeller is brilliant in fondue or raclette. It melts beautifully and adds an extra punch to those warm, cheesy dishes.
You can grate it over creamy mashed potatoes, add it to baked pasta, or slide it into a grilled sandwich. It also holds its shape well when sliced, making it great for snacking or picnic platters.
Looking for high-quality cheese to enjoy at home? Take a look at the range we offer at the Cheese Shop Nantwich online store. You’ll find the best seasonal cheeses, including this bold beauty.
The Role of Seasonality and Environment
Appenzeller cheese is shaped by its place of origin more than most. Swiss farmers pride themselves on raising their cattle in the most natural ways. No silage or artificial feed is allowed – cows eat only grass and hay, which changes with the seasons.
This means cheeses made in the spring and summer, when the meadows are full of flowers, taste slightly different from those made during winter. It’s a little like how vintage wines vary year by year. For real cheese fans, these subtle seasonal notes add another layer of discovery.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we love it when a cheese reflects its home. With Appenzeller, every bite tells a story of green grasslands, mountain breezes, and traditional care.
FAQs
Is Appenzeller cheese vegetarian?
Most traditional Appenzeller cheeses use animal rennet, so they may not be suitable for strict vegetarians. Some dairies now offer vegetarian-friendly versions using microbial rennet, so it’s worth checking the label or asking when you shop.
Does Appenzeller melt well?
Yes, this cheese melts beautifully. It’s fantastic for making cheese sauces, fondue, raclette, or grilled toasties.
Can you eat the rind on Appenzeller?
The rind is natural and edible, although it has a very strong flavour due to the herbal brine washes. Some people love it; others prefer to cut it off.
What drinks go well with Appenzeller?
Try a dry white wine like Riesling or a Swiss Fendant. Appenzeller also goes well with a strong beer or a full-bodied red wine, depending on your preferred strength.
How should I store Appenzeller cheese?
Wrap it in wax paper or cheese paper and keep it in an airtight container in your fridge. This keeps it from drying out while allowing it to breathe. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can smother the cheese.
Can I freeze Appenzeller?
If you must freeze it, wrap it well and use it within two months. It’s best grated and used in cooking after freezing, as the texture changes.
How can I tell which type of Appenzeller I have?
Most Appenzeller wheels have a colour-coded label:
- Silver Label (Mild)
- Gold Label (Strong)
- Black Label (Extra Strong)
Where can I buy Appenzeller online?
You can order authentic Appenzeller cheese directly from the Cheese Shop Nantwich website. We specialise in high-quality, hand-picked cheeses from across Europe.
The Legacy and Experience of Appenzeller
There’s a good reason why Appenzeller has stood the test of time. It brings together heritage, natural ingredients, and strong flavours into one memorable cheese. Whether you enjoy it plain, melted, or paired with something sweet or salty, it always delivers a bold and satisfying experience.
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’re proud to offer this special Swiss cheese as part of our range. It’s not just the taste that appeals to us, but the way it connects us with a slower, more traditional way of life. Eating Appenzeller is like opening a window into Swiss culture and craft.
So next time you’re picking out something new to try, why not give Appenzeller a go? Browse our selection at Cheese Shop Nantwich and experience the flavours of the Alps from your own kitchen. Whether you’re building a cheeseboard, planning a fondue night, or just craving that tangy kick, this cheese is ready to stand out.
