Appenzeller is a semi-hard mountain gourmet cheese that looks a little like Gruyere but is sharper and has a more pungent farmyard aroma and a distinctively fruity taste, which lingers for a while on the palate.
Originally from the mountain canton of Appenzeller, Switzerland, close to Austria, it is also manufactured in the Swiss cantons of Saint Gallen and Thurgau. Small brown Swiss cows graze on the rich pasture of the alpine forelands and the milk they produce is made into a delicious and full flavored Swiss gourmet cheese, of which the recipe is still kept a secret.
Appenzeller's maturation time is 7 to 12 months and usually peaks at around 9 months. Appenzeller has a characteristic light tan color, which comes from continuous brushing with a special mixture of herbs, wine or cider and salt. Try some now and find out why it is considered an excellent Swiss gourmet cheese.