Bündnerfleisch facts for kids
Bündnerfleisch (say: BOOND-ner-flysh) is a special kind of air-dried meat from Switzerland. It's also called Grisons Meat or Viande des Grisons. This tasty meat comes from a beautiful mountain area in Switzerland called Graubünden. It's a popular food there and around the world!
Contents
How Bündnerfleisch Is Made
Bündnerfleisch is made from beef. The best parts of the cow, like the upper leg or shoulder, are used. First, any fat or tough bits are carefully removed from the meat.
Curing the Meat
The beef is then treated with white wine and special seasonings. These seasonings include salt, onion, and different herbs. This mix gives the meat its unique flavor.
The first step of drying takes about 3 to 5 weeks. The meat is kept in sealed containers in a very cold place, almost freezing. During this time, the meat is moved around often. This helps the salt and seasonings spread evenly and soak into every part of the meat.
Drying and Shaping
After the first curing, the meat is hung up to dry in fresh air. The air temperature is kept between 9 and 14 degrees Celsius (about 48-57 degrees Fahrenheit). While it dries, the meat is pressed regularly. This pressing squeezes out extra moisture. It also gives Bündnerfleisch its famous rectangular shape.
Traditionally, Bündnerfleisch is not smoked. The drying process makes the meat lose about half of its original weight. This loss of water helps the meat stay good for a long time without needing extra preservatives. It also makes it a very nutritious food!
How to Enjoy Bündnerfleisch
Bündnerfleisch is usually served in very thin slices. It tastes great with fresh bread.
Serving Ideas
- It's often a part of a traditional Swiss meal called raclette. With raclette, you might eat Bündnerfleisch alongside melted cheese and vegetables.
- You can also cut Bündnerfleisch into small strips or cubes. These pieces are sometimes added to soups for extra flavor and protein.
Where Bündnerfleisch Is Sold
Most Bündnerfleisch is eaten right in Switzerland. But it's also a popular export! You can find it in many countries in Europe, as well as in Canada, the United States, and Japan.
Similar Meats Around the World
Bündnerfleisch has some relatives in other countries.
- In France, there's a dried meat from the Besançon area called 'brési'. It seems to be quite similar to Bündnerfleisch.
- Another very similar meat is bresaola. This comes from a nearby part of Italy called Valtellina. The main difference is that bresaola is not pressed like Bündnerfleisch.
Images for kids
-
A robot illustration.
