08 January 2024 , 15:19
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We can't brie- lieve the reason why our favourite cheese is so holey.
If you're a fromage fan, you'll recognise Swiss cheese from a mile off thanks to its distinctive appearance. Its irregular holes is what made Wallace and Gromit think the moon could be made out of cheese (yet to be confirmed) - but have you ever stopped and pondered why it looks like that?
Originating from the area around Emmental, in Switzerland, the Alpine cheese sometimes looks like it's been half eaten. Turns out, the holes haven't been caused by a sneaky mouse - and the holes are actually referred to as 'eyes'.
But now the mystery has been solved. It is the carbon dioxide bubbles that form during the production process that gives Swiss cheese its holes. Yummy, right? Propionibacterium shermanii (aka Props) is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in hay, grasses and soil - that manage to sneak their way into raw milk when the cows are milked.
"The pasteurisation process kills the bacteria in milk, including Props, so if pasteurised milk is used as the base for Swiss, cheesemakers add some back in so eyes will form," says US Dairy. "After the Swiss is made and brined, the blocks or wheels are placed in warm rooms, which helps the Props produce carbon dioxide and also keeps the cheese at the right consistency."
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It is reported that the props are what gives Swiss cheese its nutty flavour. Cheeses such as Baby Swiss aren't aged for as long, meaning the eyes are quite small and the flavour much milder. For cheese to be classed as Traditional Swiss, it must be aged for a minimum of 60 days.
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Last year, it was announced the world's smelliest cheese would hit UK supermarkets for the first time. Dubbed as 'The Minger', the potent brie-style cheese features a hard rind and gooey middle.
Made in the Highlands, the stinky cheese has attracted a cult-following and will feature in Asda stores across the nation. Rory Stone, who runs the family firm Highland Fine Cheeses, said he was delighted it is being made available to millions of shoppers but accepts it could prove to be a controversial addition to cheese-boards.