Kars Gruyère
A hard cow's milk cheese with large wheels and holes, produced in the Kars region inspired by the Swiss gruyère tradition. A famous regional Turkish cheese with a nutty-sweet flavor.
What Is Kars Gruyère?
Kars gruyère is a large-wheel, holey, hard cow's-milk cheese produced in Turkey's Kars region, inspired by the Swiss Gruyère tradition. It became established in the region after gruyère production was brought there in the past, and over time it became a distinctive local product in its own right.
Being made from the milk of cows grazing on Kars's rich highland pastures gives the cheese an aromatic depth. Its interior is ivory-colored and has holes; it has a nutty, mildly sweet taste that intensifies as it ages.
Kars Gruyère's Nutritional Values
Like other hard aged cheeses, Kars gruyère contains about 400 kcal of energy per 100 grams, high protein and fat; it's very rich in calcium. Values are approximated from a similar cheese profile.
What Are the Benefits of Kars Gruyère?
With its quality protein and high calcium content, Kars gruyère can be considered part of a balanced diet; due to its fat and salt, it's recommended to be consumed in moderation.
This information is general; Kars gruyère is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Kars Gruyère?
Good Kars gruyère has a firm, ivory-colored interior with regular holes that retains its moisture. Its rind should be natural and its smell nutty-pleasant; the interior should not be bone-dry.
- Interior should be firm, ivory-colored, with regular holes
- Rind should be natural, smell nutty-pleasant
- Interior should not be bone-dry
How Is Kars Gruyère Stored?
Kars gruyère is stored in the refrigerator wrapped in breathable cheese paper; being a hard cheese, it lasts a long time. It's not wrapped tightly in plastic wrap so it keeps its slight moisture.
Using Kars Gruyère in the Kitchen
Kars gruyère is used as a table and breakfast cheese; it's also grated and used on pasta, gratin dishes, toast, and pastries. Since it melts well, it's also used in hot dishes.
Are Kars Gruyère and Swiss Gruyère the Same?
They come from the same tradition and are made with a similar method; however, Kars gruyère has gained a distinctive local character due to the region's milk and production conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kars gruyère holey?
During ripening, gases produced by beneficial bacteria create small cavities within the cheese; these holes are a natural feature of gruyère-type cheeses.
What does Kars gruyère taste like?
It has a nutty, mildly sweet, intense taste that deepens as it ages; highland milk gives it an aromatic richness.
Does Kars gruyère melt?
Yes; since it melts well, it can be grated and used in gratin dishes, toast, and pasta, though it's mostly loved as a table cheese.