L'Etivaz facts for kids
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L'Étivaz is a special kind of hard cheese from Switzerland. It gets its name from the small village where it was first made. This cheese is similar to Gruyère cheese in how it tastes. It is known as a Swiss-type or Alpine cheese because it comes from the Swiss Alps.
L'Étivaz is a tiny village, also called a hamlet, located in the southwestern Swiss Alps. It is found near the Col des Mosses in the area known as Vaud. Only about 150 people live in L'Étivaz. However, the cheese is made in several nearby towns. These include Château-d'Œx, Rougemont, Rossinière, Ormont-Dessous, Ormont-Dessus, Leysin, Corbeyrier, Villeneuve, Ollon, and Bex.
Contents
History of L'Étivaz Cheese
In the 1930s, many families made Gruyère cheese. There were 76 families who felt that new government rules were changing the quality of their special Gruyère. They believed these rules were making the cheese less good.
So, these families decided to create their own cheese. They named it L'Étivaz after the village where they lived. In 1932, they started a group called a cooperative. This group helped them work together. By 1934, they had built special rooms to store and age their new cheese.
How L'Étivaz Cheese is Made
L'Étivaz cheese is made in a very traditional way. It is made almost exactly like Gruyère was made about 100 years ago. This cheese can only be made during the summer. This is when cows eat fresh grass in the high Alpine pastures.
The cheese must be made in special copper pots. These pots are heated over open wood fires, just like in the old days. This traditional method gives L'Étivaz its unique taste.
Taste and Texture
L'Étivaz cheese is a bit creamier than older Gruyère. It is also less sharp, but still full of flavor. It has a firm texture, which means it's not soft or crumbly. You might notice a fruity or slightly nutty taste. The exact flavor can change depending on the soil where the cows grazed.
The cheese is usually yellow-ivory in color. It can feel a little sticky because of its saltiness. After it's made, the cheese is aged for 5 to 13 months. This aging process helps it develop its full flavor.
Size and Appearance
L'Étivaz cheese is shaped like a large wheel. Each wheel is about 40 to 65 cm (16 to 26 in) across. It is about 10 cm (3.9 in) thick. A single wheel can weigh from 20 to 50 kg (44 to 110 lb).
In the past, this cheese often had many tiny holes inside. However, modern L'Étivaz cheese usually does not have these holes. Sometimes, you might see a small crack or fissure just under the rind (the outer skin) of the cheese.
People often eat L'Étivaz cheese at the end of a meal. It tastes great with raisins or fresh figs. It also pairs well with nuts and slices of pears.
Protecting L'Étivaz Cheese
In the year 2000, L'Étivaz cheese received a special certification. It was the first Swiss product, other than wine, to get an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC). This means its origin and quality are officially protected.
Later, in 2013, this certification was updated. It was replaced by the appellation d'origine protégée (AOP). This new certification continues to protect the unique way L'Étivaz cheese is made and where it comes from.
See also
In Spanish: L'Etivaz para niños
