Gruyère is a firm, traditional Swiss cheese originating from the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Bern. Named after the town of Gruyères in Fribourg, Switzerland, its production dates back centuries, with the first written record appearing in 1115. In 2001, it gained Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status, now Appellation d'origine protégée (AOP), ensuring that its production and maturation adhere to strict guidelines. Gruyère is made from unpasteurized cow's milk collected from local dairy farms. The milk is heated in copper cauldrons, and natural culture and rennet are added to encourage coagulation, forming a firm curd.
Key features of Gruyère include its complex flavor profile, which is both nutty and creamy. Younger cheeses are mild and creamy with slightly sweet flavor, while aged cheeses develop a sharper, nuttier taste with earthy and fruity notes. The cheese has a firm texture and a pale yellow color, with few to no "eyes" (small holes). It is aged for several months, during which it is washed and turned regularly. Gruyère is a versatile cheese, well-suited for baking, fondues, French onion soup, and as a table cheese paired with fruits and wines.
The price of Gruyère varies. St. Kilian's Cheese Shop sells Gruyere for $12.00 for ~ 4 oz, $22.00 for ~ 8 oz, and $40.00 for 1 pound. At Gouda Cheese Shop, Gruyère is available to purchase online. Gruyère is typically available at specialty cheese shops, gourmet food stores, and some supermarkets. Emmi USA sells Le Gruyère AOP at Costco stores nationwide.
