Jun 03

What makes the holes in Swiss Cheese? | It’s the bucket, stupid!

This is where Swiss cheese gets its bubbles, but there’s a debate brewing on HOW those bubbles form. According a recent report, it’s the bucket, or rather, what falls into the bucket when farmers milk Old Bessie, that determines the holes.

Scientists have long held that certain bacteria in young cheese release carbon dioxide to form the ubiquitous holes that people, (and mice), around the world love so well. A recent report, however, published by The Guardian and Agroscope, a state centre for agricultural research, said the phenomenon – “which marks famous Swiss cheeses such as emmental and appenzell – was caused by tiny bits of hay present in the milk and not bacteria as previously thought.”

Whoa.

The piece goes on to say that “the mystery holes became smaller or disappeared when milk used for cheesemaking was extracted using modern methods.” As it turns out, “It’s the disappearance of the traditional bucket used during milking that caused the difference.”

You can read the whole article here.

What do you think? We have so many questions, like, what about the huge holes? Are those formed by huge pieces of hay? Does the hay swirl around like an excited electron, thus forming holes of different sizes. What about bacteria on the old buckets? Could that be the culprit, or the farmer’s hands? Maybe something falls from the cow and into the milk that we’d rather not know about. Ahem.

We have unanswered questions, but this is certainly a great conversation starter for the next fondue party!

Please leave your comments below.

Photo: Swiss cheese ages (and gets its bubbles) at the Emmentaler Schaukaeserei “Show Dairy” in Affoltern im Emmental, Switzerland. | By Chris Pranskatis

You Might Also Like...
If you’re hiking this season, whether with Ryder-Walker or on your own, we have tips
While the characteristic Welsh humility and isolation may have caused the region to escape your
The northern reaches of Scotland are a wild landscape that holds a natural purity and
Unwrap the Gift of Travel this Holiday Season! As we approach the holiday season, the
A Ryder-Walker self-guided hiking tour gives you the freedom to be your own guide, go
Calling all adventurous ladies! Are you a solo female explorer seeking to hike with other
Find Your Ideal Dolomites Adventure! It’s easy to see why Ryder-Walker’s many hiking options in
Fall Favorites: Food from the Alps Autumn in the Alps offers a wonderful chance to
Many of Ryder-Walker’s favorite alpine adventures lead to magical, high-altitude alpine lakes, nestled like sapphire
Our Favorite Global Trekking Trips for Fall Crisp morning air, changing leaves, striking views, cozy
There are few hiking experiences as enjoyable as a trailside picnic on a beautiful sunny
Hiking Trips With Luggage Transfers Long ago we discovered the many benefits of ditching our