Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Appenzeller Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Appenzeller cheese
Appenzeller cheese is a Swiss hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is one of the most recognized alpine varieties of cheese. The cheese has a distinct, strong flavor that has made it popular for centuries. Appenzeller is Switzerland's spiciest cheese.
About Appenzeller cheese
In Switzerland's history, each region produced its own variety of cheeses. Tax records show that the Swiss enjoyed Appenzeller cheese as long as 700 years ago. The style originates from the Eastern part of the country, in a small town called Appenzell in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. Appenzell is a town from a different time, with colorful houses, and it is also car-free.
The monks of the Abbey of St. Galen are credited with developing the special process of making the cheese and preserving its history. They first established the settlement of Abbacella in 1069. They received cheese as a tithe from citizens, according to documents dating back to 1282. The cheese is made exclusively from the milk of the Simmenthaler breed of cow. The milk can be either pasteurized or unpasteurized; however, historically, Appenzeller was made with raw milk. It is aged from three to six months before it is sold.
Only three dairies in the region produce this type of raw cheese. The recipe for its signature spicy brine is a closely guarded family secret. It consists of more than 25 herbs and spices gathered from the mountainous regions, including oregano, tarragon, rosemary, and sage. The ingredients and taste are similar to that of the famous Appenzeller liquor. While it is curing, the cheese is washed two or three times a week.
In part due to this legacy, it was awarded an AOC in 1981. This abbreviation means Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, and it protects the ingredients, style, and origin of a variety of cheese. Appenzeller's historical process and recipes are protected under this designation. The technique was unified in 1942 by the Commercial Office of Appenzeller. Wheels are handmade, and the cheesemakers follow strict guidelines. Each wheel of cheese weighs about 15 lbs.
There are two types of Appenzeller cheese: common and festive.
- Common: The common variety is made with skim milk and brine-cured for a year
- Festive:Â Festive Appenzeller cheese is made with full milk cheese and cured for a year in brine.
Appenzeller also has three different classifications, each with its own label color.
- Classic:Â This classification has a silver label, and it is aged from two to three months.
- Surchoix:Â Surchoix has a gold label, and it is aged between four to six months.
- Extra:Â This variety is older than six months, and it has a black label. It is the rarest kind, with only 2.4% of Appenzeller cheese bearing this distinction.
How long does Appenzeller last?
In the refrigerator, expect Appenzeller cheese to last between three to four weeks. When it is frozen, Appenzeller can last up to six months. When defrosting it, be sure to let it sit overnight to thaw completely. Cheese thawed in the fridge should be used within three to four days, while cheese thawed in the microwave or hot water should be used right away. Melted cheese can be covered in plastic wrap, and it will last about a week.
Appenzeller Near Me
Buy your favorite Appenzeller online with Instacart. Order Appenzeller from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQ for Appenzeller cheese
Appenzeller cheese is very versatile. It can be the centerpiece of any cheese plate with its pleasant and strong flavor. It bakes well and can be a delightful addition to make savory muffins or bread. Appenzeller also melts well and is an ideal cheese to use for a fondue platter. It's an ideal cheese to use in the classic Swiss dish raclette. You may also enjoy broiling it on top of pasta or meats. It serves as an excellent topping for potatoes, bread, or crackers as well.
Appenzeller cheese is a spicy cheese. This is because of the herbal brine that the cheese is rubbed down and preserved with. The cheese has a nutty flavor, and it has small holes. As it ages, it becomes spicier as the brine is absorbed into the cheese. Its rind will also thicken, and it can develop from a brownish color to an orange one. Its texture is smooth, open, and firm. The flavor profiles can vary from fruity to flowery and, of course, spicy depending on the mixture that the cheesemaker uses.
Cheese has essential nutrients the body needs. It contains protein to give the body the fuel it needs. It also has vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, vitamin A, and calcium, which are all part of a healthy diet.
Ready to try Appenzeller cheese for yourself? Order a wedge through Instacart today!