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Raclette
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Raclette, a semi-hard cheese hailing from Switzerland, has garnered renown for its exceptional melting attributes, earning it a revered status in Swiss gastronomy. Crafted traditionally from cow's milk, this cheese owes its name to the French verb 'racler,' meaning 'to scrape,' a nod to its customary serving method. Typically, a wheel of Raclette is halved and heated, whether by open flame or a purpose-built contraption. As the cheese undergoes its transformation into a molten masterpiece, it is meticulously scraped onto accompaniments such as boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. Exhibiting a velvety, creamy consistency, Raclette boasts a flavor profile that balances nuttiness, subtle sweetness, and savory richness. Its aromatic presence, particularly pronounced in aged variations, adds an olfactory dimension to its culinary allure.
Production Process
The renowned Raclette cheese originates from the Swiss canton of Valais, exclusively crafted from raw cow's milk through traditional ancestral methods, holding a prestigious protected designation of origin (PDO or AOP) status. Marketed as Raclette du Valais AOP, it boasts a fresh, tangy, and floral flavor. Raclette is also produced in other Swiss regions, labeled as Raclette Suisse, where it is made from pasteurized, thermized, or raw milk, presenting a mild, aromatic, and floral profile.
To achieve Raclette's distinctive flavor, high-quality milk from grass-fed cows is utilized, coupled with specific bacterial strains generating lactic acid and secondary metabolic flavor compounds. Unlike Emmenthal, Raclette skips propionic acid fermentation, resulting in a lack of or minimal small holes. The cheese is shaped into wheels, immersed in a salt brine, and coated with a blend of yeast and coryneform bacteria. These wheels undergo ripening in a cellar on red pine benches for three to six months. The wooden shelves facilitate the development of a moist rind, with the cheese regularly washed and turned during this maturation process.
Characteristics
Raclette cheese boasts a semi-hard consistency with a lusciously creamy and smooth texture upon melting, retaining its structural integrity. Renowned for its exceptional melting properties, it transforms into a luxuriously gooey state without sacrificing its distinctive texture. The flavor profile of Raclette is mild yet intricate, featuring a slightly nutty undertone that matures with age, accompanied by subtle notes of sweet milk and fresh hay. Its moderate earthy or barnyard-like aroma gains intensity when melted, emitting a warm, savory scent that captivates the senses. The finish of Raclette is consistently smooth, leaving behind a pleasing, subtly salty aftertaste that lingers on the palate. This versatile cheese complements medium-bodied white wines, particularly those hailing from the Swiss Valais region, and pairs excellently with pickles, cured meats, potatoes, and robust fare.
Culinary Uses
Traditionally, a wheel of Raclette is heated, and the molten cheese is scraped off onto a variety of accompaniments, such as boiled potatoes, cured meats, pickles, and fresh vegetables. This communal dining experience transforms a simple meal into a convivial event, as friends and family gather around the warm, gooey goodness. Beyond the classic dish, Raclette shines in gourmet sandwiches, salads, and as a decadent topping for roasted vegetables. Its ability to elevate both hearty and delicate flavors makes Raclette an essential ingredient for those seeking to savor the essence of Alpine cuisine.
Health Benefits
Raclette cheese stands out as a comparatively health-conscious option among various cheese varieties. Packed with protein, calcium, and vitamin A, it offers a nutritious profile that extends beyond mere flavor. The protein content in Raclette is fundamental for tissue repair and growth, aligning with the body's essential needs. Meanwhile, its rich calcium composition plays a vital role in supporting optimal bone health. The inclusion of vitamin A in this cheese not only adds to its nutritional value but also contributes to maintaining healthy vision, skin, and a robust immune system. Remarkably low in carbohydrates, Raclette caters to those adhering to low-carb or ketogenic diets. However, it is prudent to note that, like most cheeses, Raclette does contain a notable amount of fat, including saturated fat, and sodium. While moderation is key, excessive consumption of these elements may pose risks associated with heart disease. Therefore, savoring the health benefits of Raclette cheese is best enjoyed in moderation, ensuring a balanced and mindful approach to dietary choices.
Find your next favorite Raclette cheese by checking out the producers below!
Livradois – https://www.societe-fromagere-du-livradois.fr/
Fromagerie Jura Flore – https://www.juraflore.com/en/our-cheeses/juraflore-morbier
Fromagerie Baechler – https://fromagerie-baechler.com/fr/2/51/.html
Entre Mont – https://www.entremont.co.uk/our-cheeses/cutting-cheeses/raclette
La Fromagerie du Plateau – https://www.lafromagerieduplateau.com/shop