Gotthelf Emmental AOP is created exclusively at the mountain dairy Hüpfenboden and ripened by Gourmino in the Emmental region of Switzerland. The texture of this unpasteurized Swiss cheese is fudgy, smooth and firm. It boasts a flavor reminiscent of roasted cashew nuts and browned butter.
Marlies Zaugg, Bernhard Meier and their two children, Sarah & Florian, are the sole producers of Gotthelf Emmental. They reside and work at the mountain cheese dairy Hüpfenboden, which is located at an altitude of 1016 meters.
Access to the dairy is limited to narrow mountain roads that can be blocked during heavy snowfall, causing disruptions to milk deliveries by local farmers. This small-scale, traditional production process yields only two cheeses per day.
The cheese’s name pays homage to Jeremias Gotthelf, a renowned Swiss writer from the 19th century, and his work “Die Käserei der Vehfreude,” which narrates a village’s decision to build a cheese dairy instead of a school. The Gotthelf Emmentaler wheel label features an impressive silhouette that brings Jeremias Gotthelf’s story to life, distinguishing it from other Emmentaler varieties.
The selected Gotthelf Emmental wheels mature for at least 14 months in Gourmino’s cellars, centrally located within the Emmental. Each wheel receives regular manual care involving water and salt, several times a week.
Langnau in the Emmental has long been recognized as a stronghold in the cheese trade. Gourmino is responsible for managing the traditional Jost cheese storage facility, which stands as the last cheese warehouse of Emmental and dates back to 1811.
Gotthelf Emmental AOP can be savored, thinly sliced on its own or on a cheese platter alongside crackers, fruits, nuts, and honey, allowing its nuanced taste to shine. When melted, Emmental elevates sandwiches, burgers, and dishes like macaroni and cheese with its nutty essence. Its contribution to Swiss fondue, combined with other cheeses and white wine, results in a delectable dipping experience. Grated over salads, Emmental introduces a savory depth that complements different greens and dressings. Its meltability transforms omelettes, quiches, and grilled cheese sandwiches into indulgent delights. Additionally, Emmental lends itself to savory baked goods and casseroles, both as a filling and a gratifying topping.
Gotthelf Emmentaler AOP is the exclusive holder of the Slow Food label for aged Emmentaler cheeses. The Slow Food movement is a global grassroots initiative advocating for local, sustainable, and traditional food production and consumption. It promotes biodiversity, supports small-scale farmers, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying food as a communal and cultural experience rather than a fast-paced convenience.
• Made from fresh raw milk from dairy cows left to graze naturally (no silage).
• We cut and wrap this by hand from a 17 lb form.