Whether you prefer cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, or even a meat fondue pot, we can all agree that it’s a delicious treat. What a lot of people do not know is the actual history of fondue and where the scrumptious appetizer actually originated from. So, follow along and find out below!
Read 15 Amazing Fondue Recipes or the Best Fondue Pots for 2022.
What is the origin of fondue?
Fondue originated in Switzerland, as a way to increase cheese consumption during the cold, winter months. If you aren’t familiar with fondue, it’s a melted cheese dish with white wine (historically, although it has broadened to include a variety of different ingredients) that’s served in a large, communal pot. So, what is the actual history of fondue? Keep reading to find out.
Surprisingly enough, there has been record of fondue dating back to 800 to 725 BC in Homer’s Iliad when it was a mixture of goat’s cheese, wine, and flour. However, modern fondue originated in the late 1800’s. In 1930, the Swiss Cheese Union declared fondue as the national dish.
In Geneva, Switzerland’s medieval Old Town, fondue is well-known. It’s made as half-and-half (with gruyere and vacherin which is cow’s milk cheeses). Gruyere itself originates from the town of Gruyeres, which is set on the Alpine Foothills in Fribourg.
Who invented fondue?
Switzerland was the country that created the delicious dish – perfect for all cheese lovers. It was a way to use hardened cheese and stale bread to keep people warm during the winter months.
Traditionally, cheesemakers would utilize Swiss cheeses – typically Gruyere and Emmental. They would take the hardened cheese and put it in a pot, called a caquelon. Typically, the caquelon would have been rubbed down with garlic and would contain a bit fo wine. They would then melt it over the fire and enjoy the cheesy dish!
It became a popular dish, used at aprés ski resorts and in small Alps towns as well. It’s now popular in places such as Zurich, the canton of Valais, and all around the world! People such as the Italians, French, and Americans have all incorporated it into their daily lives! Every place puts a different spin on it. For example, in Northern Switzerland they typically use Appenzeller or Raclette cheeses in their fondue sets. Some other places prefer Fontina cheese – it all depends on preference. However, the traditional history of fondue still remains today!
Some people prefer fondue bourguignonne – also known as meat fondue. It really just depends on what fondue recipe you want to incorporate into your dishes!
What is the legend of fondue?
Some people say that fondue originated in the 16th century during a fight between the Protestand and Roman Catholic Swiss. The opposing parties declared a truce and after a hard day’s battle, shared a dish of fondue. They ate it to the bottom of the pot along with kirsch, a cherry brandy and put their troubles aside.
What is a popular fondue recipe?
If you’re looking for a delicious fondue recipe, make sure to read our article on 15 Amazing Fondue Recipes right here. Everyone loves a good old fashioned fondue party – so make sure to go check out these recipes!
