The real masterpiece among all Swiss cheeses is the Tete de Moine, and is by all accounts the definition of a true gourmet cheese. Tete de Moine defines what a true gourmet Swiss cheese is, produced in only nine dairies in the northwestern portion of the Swiss Alps called the Bernese Jura.
According to history, Tete de Moine is the “Cheese of the Monks” since it was thought to have been produced by the monks at the Bellelay abbey dating as far back as 1192. But official records have it that Tete de Moine was produced and sold in the year 1520. Originally, this cheese was referred to as Fromage Bellelay, after the place where it was produced but was renamed Tete de Moine in 1970.
In English, Tete de Moine literally means “monks heads”, referring to the tax (paid with cheese) by the abbey to the French kings and the shaved heads of the monks.
Tete de Moine is an unpasteurized, pressed curd cheese made from pure cow’s milk that is lightly cooked. The milk used in making the cheese is delivered to the local dairy twice a day ensuring its freshness. Although the milk is now processed with modern equipments, it is still made using traditional cheese making methods. Although the Tete de Moine tastes similar to some Swiss cheeses, it is definitely NOT a factory made cheese.
Tete de Moine comes in mini wheels and is cut using a griolle, a special tool that lets you shave the cheese without much effort. Its outer rind is either sticky or hard, depending on the rind. Although its inner paste is firm and is yellow in color, it darkens as it ages. The Tete de Moine ages from the outside in, so the part closer to its rind is much darker. Most people think that this browner color is a sign of poor quality.
Tete de Moine has a defining smell even before it is cut. Its aroma sets it apart from the rest of the Swiss cheeses. It smells like roasted nuts mixed with earthy wine and musty wood that will transform any room into a cheese heaven. As soon as you get a taste of the Tete de Moine, you will sense a full bodied flavor and complex hints of nuts and sweet fruits.
Any cheese expert will tell you that the Tete de Moine is more flavorful and smells sweeter than the Emmental and the Gruyere. If you are looking for a real gourmet Swiss mountain style cheese, then the Tete de Moine is your best choice. Go and try one today!
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