Do you know these traditional Swiss products? - Jul 26, 2010
From Hershey's in the United States to Haribo in Germany, there are countless examples in countries around the world.
Of course, no discussion of Swiss food would be complete without mentioning cheese and chocolate, but there are some products which are perhaps less well-known among foreigners.
A classic Swiss product is Ovomaltine. Ovomaltine was created by Swiss pharmacist George Wander in the mid 19th century in order to address the problem of malnutrition among children that existed at that time. Originally a mixture of eggs and malt, cocoa and milk were eventually added to create Ovomaltine in its current form. It's a favorite drink especially during breaks on skiing and hiking trips.
Another typical Swiss product is Le Parfait – a spread that became popular during World War Two, when meat was not widely available. It was created by a chemistry student who mixed brewer's yeast with vegetable oil. It still remains popular – although it now also contains pork liver and truffles to be more attractive for today's consumers.
Perhaps you have come across Le Cenovis in the aisles of your supermarket? Another spreadable paste made with brewer's yeast, salt and vegetable extracts, it was launched by a group of Swiss brewers in 1931 and has enjoyed great success.
Dating back to 1463, Schabziger cheese is a long-enduring Swiss product from the Canton of Glarus. It is often consumed as a condiment in soups, risottos, mixed with butter to spread on bread or grated on pasta. It contains a special herb cultivated in central Switzerland which provides it with a characteristically strong flavor and aroma.
Food can be an important way to form a deeper understanding and appreciation for the new host country, so it is not surprising that the topic of Swiss food is often covered within International Link's various social and cultural integration workshops in one way or another. Be adventurous and try out something new!