274165 Thu Sep 08 19:51:06 -0700 2005 6 28 Kosher 0 1442994 Does anyone know of a non-French kosher gruyere? Thu Sep 08 19:51:06 -0700 2005 0 Steve M. 1 1442999 I have seen it sold at Holon in Brooklyn. Thu Sep 08 22:13:22 -0700 2005 1442994 0 velorutionary 2 1443001 Thank you very much. I found it at: http://www6.ivenue.com/holonfoods/item38986.ctlg I can't read much about it from the picture. Any idea where it is made, or what hashgacha? Thu Sep 08 22:50:05 -0700 2005 1442999 0 Steve M. 1 1443002 BS"D Why would you want a nonFrench Gruyere? Me, I prefer French. I only wish that the French one that is available would be better. French Gruyere, in general, tends to have more "tang" than the Swiss. Unfortunately, the kosher examples do not show the gas holes characteristic of the cheese variety, nor have the characteristic propionic bacterial character associated with the gas production. The available kosher Gruyere is a mere shadow of what it should be. But that is not the problem with the nation in which it is made (after all, it's the same mountain range, just different sides of the border) but rather the production methodology. Let's just request high quality cheese representative of its type, and leave it at that. Thu Sep 08 23:18:33 -0700 2005 1442994 0 Craig Winchell 2 1443007 To answer Craig's query, I am looking for kosher gruyere cheese. The one I was aware of was French, and I prefer not to purchase French products. It is slightly off-topic, but I do not wish to purchase products from a country whose foreign policy is openly hostile to Israel and proud of it. It is for this reason, by the way, that I have been glad to read that French wine exports to the U.S. have declined. The French are proud of the prestige they think their food and wine bring them, and I wish to convey the message that there is a price to pay for their anti-Israel appeasement. I hope that has answered the question, and also that a suitable gruyere has been located. Here's to higher-quality kosher cheeses being available (to go with the excellent wine Craig produces)! Fri Sep 09 15:38:03 -0700 2005 1443002 0 Steve M. 3 1443010 I see your point, but perhaps, an argument could be made that purchasing KOSHER products from France helps Jews in France, who are currently under a lot of pressure living there. Fri Sep 09 18:20:38 -0700 2005 1443007 0 DeisCane 4 1443020 BS"D I guess I tend not to try to mix food and political statements. I can see Steve's side of it- the cheese is produced by nonJews in a Co-op, under the supervision of Jews. Therefore, purchase of it enriches the economy of France in general. On the other hand, I can see DeisCane's point that since it is marketed by French Jews, sales of it help French Jews who are having a difficult time there. But as I say, I tend to look at the product quality only, without the political baggage associated with it. If the hechsher is good (and in this case it is, I forget whether it's Rav Seckbach or Rav Schlesinger, but they're both quite reliable from Strassbourg), it's only a matter to me of quality. In this case, the quality is good but not great. It has the nutty quality I associate with Swiss-type cheeses, and a roundness, sweetness and lack of bitterness. In other words, it's an acceptable cheese of its general type. However, it lacks the differentiating qualities I associate with Gruyere. I'd prefer to have something more true-to-type. Also, Steve M., I'm no longer making wine. We've moved to a rental in LA, and the kids are in school. Now I must find a job and hopefully, develop a business plan which will allow me access to the investors I'll need to establish a kosher winery within commuting distance of LA. But as of now, while I still have some wine to sell (only the '97 Cab Reserve and 2000 Syrah), I'm out of wine production indefinitely. The things we do for our families... Craig Sun Sep 11 10:52:31 -0700 2005 1443010 0 Craig Winchell