National Cheese Fondue Day

National Cheese Fondue Day is an American holiday dedicated to cheese fondue. It is a great dish from Switzerland, which has many fans around the world. Melted cheese (most often a mixture of cheeses) with additional components takes on a unique taste and aromatic qualities. It is celebrated annually on April 11.

History

The origins of National Cheese Fondue Day are not known. The first written mention of the dish itself dates back to 1875. Before that, there was also a dish called “fondue”, but there was no melted cheese. In fact it was an omelette with truffles. In 1905, potato starch was popularized in Switzerland, perfect for thickening foods. So people began to melt cheeses, adding wine, various spices (most often nutmeg). In the resulting thick mixture dipped pieces of bread and so consumed the dish.

The history of the appearance of cheese is shrouded in mystery, but most researchers are inclined to the option of accidental origin. Arab merchants often carried milk with them in sacks of sheep’s rennet. One of them had been in the sun for too long. Because of the heat and the rennet, the milk separated into whey and cheese. The dense part turned out to be very tasty, and the cheese began to be made on purpose. In time it spread around the world.

Interesting facts

• It is customary to serve fondue in a special dish called a cakelon.
• Special forks with long handles should be used to dip the bread into the cheese mixture. It is believed that if a person in company has bread falling off his fork, he should buy drinks for the table!
• Swiss cheeses are used for the classic dish. Mostly emmental and gruyere.

How to celebrate

Visit cafes or restaurants to enjoy the excellent taste of fondue from professional chefs. You can also travel to Switzerland to taste fondue in its historic homeland! You can also make the dish yourself. You can easily find the recipe on the Internet.

Tell about the feast on social networks. Ask users if they’ve tried the fondue. What was your impression of the dish?

When is National Cheese Fondue Day celebrated in 2024?

National Cheese Fondue Day is observed on April 11 each year.

Observations