Tête de Moine facts for kids
Tête de Moine is a special kind of cheese from Switzerland. It's a hard cheese made from cow's milk. This unique cheese is famous for how it's served: shaved into pretty, flower-like "rosettes" using a special tool called a girolle.
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What is Tête de Moine Cheese?
Tête de Moine means "monk's head" in French. This name comes from its long history. It's a semi-hard cheese, which means it's firm but still a bit creamy. It has a strong, nutty, and slightly fruity taste that many people love.
Where Does Tête de Moine Come From?
This cheese has been made for hundreds of years! It first came from the Bellelay Abbey, a monastery in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. That was way back in the 12th century, almost 900 years ago! Today, it's still made in the same area, in the cantons of Berne and Jura.
How Is Tête de Moine Made?
Making Tête de Moine is a careful process. It starts with fresh cow's milk. The cheese is then aged for several months, usually at least 2.5 months, but sometimes much longer. This aging process gives it its special flavor and texture. Each cheese wheel weighs about 800 grams, which is a bit less than two pounds.
The Girolle: A Special Way to Serve Cheese
The most fun part about Tête de Moine is how it's eaten! Instead of slicing it, you use a tool called a girolle. This device has a blade that shaves thin curls from the top of the cheese wheel. These curls look like delicate flowers or rosettes. Shaving the cheese this way helps to bring out its full flavor and aroma. It's a unique and tasty experience!
Images for kids
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Tête de Moine with a girolle tool
See also
In Spanish: Tête de Moine para niños
