This famous Alpine cheese, which originated in Switzerland but is also now produced in France, has a firm, pliable texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavour, and is popularly used in dishes such as fondues and gratins. It is made in large rounds which, if left uncut, will keep extremely well for over a year. The ivory or pale-yellow interior has fewer (and smaller) holes than Switzerland’s best-known cheese, Emmental. Neither should gruyère be confused with other cooked, pressed Alpine cheeses such as Comté and Beaufort.

Credits: BBC Food