Alpine Transhumance

Transhumance to Table: How Alpine Herding Forged Gruyère, Comté, and Appenzeller

Alpine transhumance, the seasonal movement of cows to high pastures, forged a common template for cheeses like Gruyère, Comté, and Appenzeller, resulting in large, hard-rinded wheels. While sharing this historical engine, their distinct identities are primarily shaped by specific geography, regional practices, and unique terroir.