Emmi Tête de Moine Cheese is a true Swiss treasure, steeped in centuries of monastic tradition and refined craftsmanship. First created by monks in the 12th century at the Bellelay Monastery in the Jura Mountains, this cheese—whose name means “Monk’s Head”—was once so prized that tenant farmers used it as a form of payment to their landowners. Today, Emmi continues that proud legacy, producing Tête de Moine in small, cylindrical wheels using fresh, part-skim cow’s milk sourced from the same Alpine region.
Aged on spruce planks for a minimum of 75 days, Tête de Moine develops a supple, semi-hard texture and a sharp, aromatic flavor that intensifies as it matures. The wood aging imparts a faintly resinous note that complements its tangy, nutty complexity. Unlike most cheeses, it is not sliced but rather pared into delicate curls using a girolle—a traditional Swiss tool that scrapes the surface into elegant rosettes. This unique presentation enhances the cheese’s texture and aroma, creating a luxurious sensory experience.
Perfect for entertaining, Tête de Moine shines as a centerpiece on a cheese board or as a garnish for fine dining dishes. With its rich heritage and distinctive character, it remains one of Switzerland’s most iconic and captivating cheeses.
- Pairings: Pinot Noir, Champagne, or Belgian-style Tripel ales.
Ingredients: Fresh mountain cow's milk, starter cultures, rennet, salt
Nutritional information coming soon
Nutritional information coming soon