Chällerhocker

Chällerhocker
Chällerhocker
Country of origin	Switzerland
Region	Canton of St. Gallen
Town	Lütisburg
Source of milk	cows
Pasteurised	traditionally raw, but may be made from thermised or pasteurized milk depending on producer
Texture	semi-hard / medium-hard
Aging time	8–12 months (typical)

Chällerhocker (sometimes stylized as Challerhocker; Swiss Standard German pronunciation: [ˈçɛl.ərˌhɔk.ər]) is a Swiss semi-hard, smear-ripened cheese produced in the town of Lütisburg in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland.^[2] The name means "sitting in the cellar" in Swiss German, referring to its traditional aging process. Cheesemaker Walter Rass, known for his work with Appenzeller-style cheeses, developed Chällerhocker as a distinct offering in the early 2000s.^[3]

History

Chällerhocker was created as an artisanal variation on classic Swiss Alpine cheeses, building upon Walter Rass's expertise with Appenzeller.^[4] Over the past two decades, it has gained recognition internationally for its unique flavor profile and careful aging process.^[2]^[3]

Production

Produced from cow's milk, Chällerhocker is made with a yogurt starter.^[5] It typically undergoes a smear-ripening process, where the rind is washed with brine and spices during maturation. Each wheel is aged in cellars for around 8 to 12 months, allowing the cheese to develop a firm yet supple texture and a reddish-brown rind.^[6] Cheese professionals note that the repeated washing helps cultivate unique surface cultures that contribute to Chällerhocker's signature flavor.^[7]

Characteristics

Chällerhocker has a pale, ivory interior with small holes and a thin, brine-washed rind. Its flavor profile is nutty, sweet, and slightly tangy, with hints of brown butter and caramel.^[2]^[8] The cheese melts well and is commonly used in fondue or grated over dishes, but is also enjoyed as a table cheese.^[9] Because of its smooth melt and balanced flavor, it can be recommended in place of or alongside traditional Alpine cheeses like Gruyère or Appenzeller.^[10]

In popular culture

Chällerhocker made an appearance in season 12, episode 8 (titled "The Colostomy Bag") of the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, although it was referred to as "Vonderdonk."^[11]

Notes and references

^ "Challerhocker". cheese.com. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Challerhocker". Culture: The Word on Cheese. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ ^a ^b "Challerhocker". Murray's Cheese. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ "Chällerhocker – The Quintessential Swiss Cheese". Alpenwild. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ Thorpe, Liz (2017-09-26). The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You'll Love. Flatiron Books. p. 290. ISBN 978-1-250-06345-8.
^ "Challerhocker: The Cellar Sitter". Formaggio Kitchen. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ "Challerhocker Cheese". Di Bruno Bros. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ Hastings, Chester (2014-03-18). The Cheesemonger's Seasons: Recipes for Enjoying Cheese with Ripe Fruits and Vegetables. Chronicle Books. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-4521-3554-0.
^ "Challerhocker". Cowgirl Creamery. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ "Challerhocker: A New Swiss Superstar". Zingerman's. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
^ Stueven, Michele (2024-04-04). "Vonderdonk At The Cheese Store Of Beverly Hills And Cypress Grove All Over Town – Here's What's Popping Up – LA Weekly". Retrieved 2025-01-27.

External links

Chällerhocker profile at Culture: The Word on Cheese

Chällerhocker at Murray's Cheese

[cheese-1] "Challerhocker". cheese.com. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[CultureCheese-2] "Challerhocker". Culture: The Word on Cheese. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[MurraysCheese-3] "Challerhocker". Murray's Cheese. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[Alpenwild-4] "Chällerhocker – The Quintessential Swiss Cheese". Alpenwild. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[5] Thorpe, Liz (2017-09-26). The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You'll Love. Flatiron Books. p. 290. ISBN 978-1-250-06345-8.

[6] "Challerhocker: The Cellar Sitter". Formaggio Kitchen. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[DiBruno-7] "Challerhocker Cheese". Di Bruno Bros. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[8] Hastings, Chester (2014-03-18). The Cheesemonger's Seasons: Recipes for Enjoying Cheese with Ripe Fruits and Vegetables. Chronicle Books. p. 72. ISBN 978-1-4521-3554-0.

[CowgirlCreamery-9] "Challerhocker". Cowgirl Creamery. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[10] "Challerhocker: A New Swiss Superstar". Zingerman's. Retrieved 26 January 2025.

[11] Stueven, Michele (2024-04-04). "Vonderdonk At The Cheese Store Of Beverly Hills And Cypress Grove All Over Town – Here's What's Popping Up – LA Weekly". Retrieved 2025-01-27.

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