Berner Alpkäse

Berner Alpkäse is a delectable hard cheese from the breathtaking Swiss Alps, particularly the Bernese Oberland region. This full-fat cheese, crafted from raw milk, features a spicy flavor profile with a smooth texture and absence of holes. Its distinctiveness lies in the traditional, artisan production process, which frequently incorporates wood fire.

A special aged variant known as Berner Hobelkäse is matured for at least two years, resulting in an even more pronounced flavor. Both types proudly bear the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) designation in Switzerland, guaranteeing their quality and authenticity.

Berner Alpkäse is exclusively produced during the Alpine season by certified farms. The cows graze on untouched, fertilization-free pastures rich with Alpine herbs, contributing to the cheese's unique flavor. To ensure freshness, the milk is processed within 18 hours of milking. The evening milking undergoes partial skimming to attain a final fat content of at least 45%.

The cheese-making process involves heating the milk, adding cultured bacteria and rennet, cutting the curds, reheating, molding, and pressing. Subsequently, the cheese rounds, each weighing at least 15 kg, are brined and aged. They are routinely brushed with brine during the aging process, which spans from 6 to 18 months. For Berner Hobelkäse, additional aging of at least one year occurs under lower humidity conditions without further rind washing.

Annually, approximately 1,000 tonnes of Berner Alpkäse are produced, with some being converted into Hobelkäse. Most of the cheese is sold directly by producers, while the remainder is available in retail outlets. Berner Alpkäse is typically enjoyed sliced, whereas the more brittle Hobelkäse is ideal for shaving or crumbling.

For enthusiasts of Sbrinz, Berner Alpkäse offers a similar experience, albeit less salty. Unlike Sbrinz, which is produced in the lowlands and subjected to an extended brining period, Berner Alpkäse brings the essence of the high Alpine pastures directly to your palate.