Frederic Melton
Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that originated in the Alps, mainly in and around the canton of Valais. It is made by melting cheese and mixing it with other ingredients such as wine, kirsch (a type of cherry schnapps), garlic, and bread. The type of cheese used typically includes Gruyère, Emmenthaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette. While Swiss cheese fondue typically contains alcohol in the form of wine or kirsch, there are variations that do not include alcohol. Some people substitute the wine and kirsch with apple cider or juice, or simply omit the alcohol and drink tea instead. The alcohol in the fondue is said to help prevent the cheese from coagulating in the stomach, while drinking water is said to have an adverse effect and may cause digestive issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol content | Swiss cheese fondue typically contains alcohol in the form of wine, kirsch (cherry schnapps), or cider. However, non-alcoholic versions are available, substituting alcohol with water, apple juice, or apple spritzer. |
| Ingredients | Swiss cheese fondue typically consists of a combination of cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmenthaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette. It is seasoned with garlic, nutmeg, pepper, and sometimes herbs, mustard, or toasted spices. |
| Accompaniments | Fondue is typically served with bread for dipping, but other options include potatoes, apples, pears, cornichons, pickled onions, and salami. |
| Digestion | It is recommended to drink hot tea, such as black or herbal tea, with fondue to aid digestion. Drinking water is not recommended as it may cause the cheese to congeal in the stomach. |
| Culture | Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish, particularly in the canton of Valais (French) or Wallis (German). It is typically consumed during chilly winter evenings. |
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What You'll Learn
- Swiss cheese fondue is traditionally seasoned with wine and kirsch
- Alcohol is used to stabilise the cheese and prevent it from curdling
- Drinking water with fondue is not recommended due to potential congealing
- Black tea is a common non-alcoholic drink paired with fondue
- Alcoholic drinks are traditionally paired with fondue to aid digestion
Swiss cheese fondue is traditionally seasoned with wine and kirsch
The alcohol cooks out, leaving only the combination of smells of wine, kirsch and cheese. Kirsch, or cherry schnapps, is also a traditional seasoning in Swiss cheese fondue. It is made from cherries and is sometimes called "cherry water".
Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that originated in the Alps, mainly in and around the canton of Valais (French) or Wallis (German). It is made with two or more types of cheese, typically including Gruyère and Emmenthaler, and is served with bread for dipping. Other ingredients include cornstarch, lemon juice, and garlic.
It is important to note that the Swiss have strong opinions on what should be drunk with Swiss cheese fondue. It is typically accompanied by wine, kirsch, or hot herbal tea. Water is not recommended as it is believed to cause the cheese to congeal and make a heavy, fat-filled ball of cheese in the stomach, leading to discomfort. However, some people do opt for black or green tea to aid digestion.
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Alcohol is used to stabilise the cheese and prevent it from curdling
Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that originated in the Alps, mainly in and around the canton of Valais (French) / Wallis (German). It is made by melting cheese and blending it with other ingredients such as wine, kirsch (cherry schnapps), garlic, and bread. The type of cheese used typically includes Gruyère, Emmenthaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette, depending on regional preferences and availability.
While the fondue itself contains alcohol, the amount present in the final dish may vary depending on the recipe and cooking method. The alcohol in the wine or kirsch added to the fondue serves a specific purpose beyond flavour enhancement. Alcohol is used to stabilise the cheese and prevent it from curdling during heating. This is because wine is acidic, which helps to prevent the fondue from coagulating or curdling prematurely.
The addition of alcohol also contributes to the overall texture and consistency of the fondue. It ensures that the melted cheese remains smooth and creamy, rather than becoming lumpy or separating. This is especially important when blending multiple types of cheese, as it helps to create a cohesive and homogeneous mixture.
However, it is important to note that the presence of alcohol in Swiss cheese fondue has potential digestive consequences. Some people believe that drinking water with fondue can lead to coagulation in the stomach, resulting in discomfort and potential digestive issues. This belief is reflected in the traditional drinks paired with fondue, which typically include wine, Kirsch, or hot herbal tea. These drinks are thought to aid digestion and prevent any adverse effects from consuming large amounts of melted cheese.
While the alcohol in the fondue may not completely cook off, it is important to consider individual preferences and restrictions when preparing this dish. Some people may prefer to omit the alcohol altogether, substitute it with non-alcoholic alternatives, or consume the fondue with non-alcoholic beverages to avoid any potential issues. Ultimately, the decision to include alcohol or not depends on personal choices and dietary restrictions.
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Drinking water with fondue is not recommended due to potential congealing
Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional Swiss dish that originated in the Alps. It is made by melting cheese—typically including Gruyère and Emmenthaler—and combining it with wine, cornstarch, lemon juice, and garlic. Some recipes also call for splashes of kirsch (cherry schnapps), mustard, or spices. The cheese is then eaten by dipping bread, cooked potatoes, or fruit into the pot.
Drinking water with Swiss cheese fondue is not recommended due to the potential for congealing. Water is believed to cause the melted cheese to coagulate and form a large, dense, fat-filled ball in the stomach, which can lead to digestive issues and discomfort. This belief is supported by some Swiss individuals who recommend drinking wine, kirsch, or hot herbal tea instead of water to aid digestion and prevent congealing.
One study, published in the BMJ medical journal, examined the effects of drinking tea or wine with fondue. It found that participants who drank tea digested the fondue in about six hours, while those who drank wine and kirsch took nine hours. However, no gastric symptoms were associated with either group, and the study had a small sample size.
While the study did not find conclusive evidence that drinking water leads to congealing, the traditional recommendation to avoid water persists. Those who do not consume alcohol can opt for non-alcoholic alternatives like black or green tea, which are commonly suggested as digestive aids when enjoying Swiss cheese fondue.
Additionally, some restaurants may accommodate requests for fondue without alcohol, using substitutes like apple cider or juice. It is always a good idea to inquire about the ingredients and request any desired modifications in advance.
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Black tea is a common non-alcoholic drink paired with fondue
Swiss cheese fondue is a popular dish, especially in the winter, that is made by melting cheese and often combining it with wine, kirsch (cherry schnapps), and a bit of garlic. The cheese used in Swiss fondue is typically a blend of Gruyère and Emmentaler, with other Swiss cheeses like Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette, depending on the region and personal preference.
Fondue is traditionally eaten with a glass of wine, kirsch, or hot herbal tea. The wine is used to stabilize the cheese and prevent it from curdling when heated. However, some people prefer to avoid alcohol and opt for hot tea instead, as the cheese can cause stomach problems if paired with the wrong drinks. Black tea, in particular, is mentioned as a non-alcoholic alternative to wine when consuming fondue.
Black tea has a robust and versatile flavor that can complement a wide range of foods, from sweet to savory. Its tannins act similarly to wine, cutting through the richness of cheese and balancing the flavors. When it comes to pairing black tea with cheese, aged cheddar pairs well with the malty notes of Assam or Keemun, while Brie or Camembert complement Darjeeling or Ceylon black tea with their floral and fruity notes. For a more adventurous combination, strong blue cheese can be paired with smoky Lapsang Souchong, as the smoky aroma and flavor contrast beautifully with the saltiness and creaminess of the cheese.
In addition to cheese, black tea also pairs well with chocolate. Dark chocolate with high cocoa content pairs well with full-bodied black teas like Assam and Ceylon, enhancing the bitterness and resulting in a robust, bittersweet flavor. On the other hand, milk chocolate creates a delightful pairing with fruity or floral black teas like Darjeeling or Nilgiri, as the mild sweetness of the chocolate brings out the fruity notes in the tea.
While black tea is indeed a common non-alcoholic drink paired with fondue, it is worth noting that the Swiss have specific ideas about what to drink with their cheese fondue. Water is typically avoided, as it is believed to cause congealing and digestive issues. Instead, hot black tea is recommended as a digestive aid, especially when fondue is consumed in larger quantities.
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Alcoholic drinks are traditionally paired with fondue to aid digestion
Swiss cheese fondue is a traditional dish that originated in the Alps, mainly in and around the canton of Valais (French) or Wallis (German). It is made by melting cheese, usually including Gruyère, and sometimes also Emmenthaler, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Appenzeller, and Raclette, depending on the region and personal preferences. The melted cheese is then served with accompaniments like cubed bread, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, pickled pearl onions, and salami, which are dipped into the cheese.
When it comes to drinks, it is traditionally paired with alcoholic beverages like wine, Kirsch (a type of cherry schnapps), or herbal tea. The alcohol is believed to aid digestion and prevent the cheese from coagulating or forming a lump in the stomach, which can cause discomfort. However, some people choose to drink black or green tea instead, especially if they do not consume alcohol.
The wine is typically added to the fondue itself to stabilise the cheese and prevent curdling when heated. It is also believed to provide a combination of flavours and smells to the fondue. In addition to wine, splashes of Kirsch are also added to the fondue as a traditional seasoning.
While the alcohol in the fondue may not fully cook off, some people believe that drinking additional alcohol with the meal can further aid digestion. However, a study published in the BMJ medical journal in 2010 found that participants who drank tea digested the fondue in about six hours, while those who drank wine and Kirsch took nine hours. The study suggested that adding alcohol to fat may make it more difficult for the body to break down the fat content.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese fondue is traditionally made with wine, which is added to stabilise the cheese and stop it from curdling when heated. However, some recipes substitute the wine with apple cider or cherry water.
Alcohol is added to Swiss cheese fondue to stabilise the cheese and prevent it from curdling when heated.
Yes, you can make Swiss cheese fondue without alcohol. Some recipes substitute the wine with apple cider or cherry water.
Traditional drinks to pair with Swiss cheese fondue include Fendant, a slightly sparkling white wine, Kirsch (a cherry schnapps), or hot herbal tea. Black tea is also recommended to aid digestion. It is advised to avoid drinking water with Swiss cheese fondue, as it may cause stomach problems.
Swiss cheese fondue is not typically suitable for children due to the presence of alcohol in the dish and the traditional accompanying drinks. When serving Swiss cheese fondue to children, it is recommended to use apple juice or apple spritzer instead of wine.
