Glarner Alpkäse

Glarner Alpkäse is a full-fat, semi-hard cheese made from raw cow's milk, sourced from cows that graze on high-altitude alpine pastures, which enhances its rich flavor. Each cheese wheel weighs between five and seven kilograms (11-15 lbs) and has a firm, hole-free texture with a natural rind.

The cheese is aged for different periods, leading to variations in flavor, with mild, spicy, and mature varieties available. The production follows centuries-old techniques, where the milk is processed directly on the alp, heated in copper cauldrons, and curdled before being pressed into molds.

It is then left to mature in cool, humid cellars, allowing the cheese to develop its distinct aroma and flavor. The maturing process influences the taste, with younger cheeses being milder and creamier, while aged cheeses develop a stronger, more pronounced flavor.

Due to its deep-rooted regional and historical significance, Glarner Alpkäse was awarded the Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) designation in 2013.