Tête de Moine: The Flowering Cheese of the Jura Mountains

At De Kaasserie, we love cheeses with a touch of theatre – and few are as enchanting to serve and savour as Tête de Moine. Known as the “Monk’s Head,” this Swiss classic is more than just a cheese: it’s an experience, a tradition, and a true centrepiece for any table.

From Monastery to Masterpiece

Tête de Moine has a history that reaches back over 800 years. It was first created by monks at the Bellelay Abbey in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland during the 12th century. The monks developed a semi-hard cheese with a long maturation process, which they carefully aged on spruce boards.

The cheese quickly gained a reputation for excellence – so much so that it was often used not just as food, but as a form of payment or even currency for taxes and rents. Its legacy as a “cheese of value” continues today, as it remains one of Switzerland’s most cherished specialties.

The Girolle: A Unique Way to Serve

What makes Tête de Moine truly unique is the way it’s eaten. Instead of cutting it into slices, the cheese is traditionally served using a special tool called a Girolle. This clever device scrapes the cheese into delicate rosettes that resemble flowers.

The monks believed this method of shaving the cheese enhanced its aroma and flavour – and they were right. The fine curls expose more surface area to the air, intensifying the taste and turning every bite into a fragrant, melt-in-the-mouth delight.

Flavour Profile: Aromatic, Refined, and Elegant

Tête de Moine is a semi-hard, raw cow’s milk cheese that develops beautifully with age. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Texture: Firm yet supple, ideal for shaving into curls.

• Flavour: Intensely aromatic, with notes of roasted nuts, meadow herbs, and a gentle creaminess.

• Finish: A lingering, savoury depth that feels both rustic and refined.

Each rosette captures the balance of smoothness and sharpness that has made this cheese famous for centuries.

How to Enjoy Tête de Moine

Tête de Moine isn’t just a cheese – it’s a centrepiece.

• As a showstopper: Create a blooming “garden” of cheese rosettes for your next gathering – it’s guaranteed to spark conversation.

• Pairings: It pairs beautifully with crisp white wines, sparkling wines, or a dry Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, try it with apple cider or grape juice.

  
  

Why We Love It at De Kaasserie

For us, Tête de Moine represents everything we admire about cheese: tradition, craftsmanship, and a little bit of magic. It’s a cheese that turns eating into an experience, one delicate rosette at a time.

So next time you’re looking for something special – whether to impress guests or simply to treat yourself – let Tête de Moine bloom on your table.