It is difficult for other products from the region to surpass the reputation of Tête de Moine AOP, the cheese from Bellelay. And yet there is no shortage of variety in the region. Other cheese and sausage specialities, as well as craft beers, give Bellelay and the Franches-Montagnes a taste of home.
For more information on the region’s products and good addresses for discovering the region, you can read the brochure “Terroir à savourer” from Jura & Trois-Lacs.
Chaux-d’Abel
Chaux d’Abel is part of a group of cheeses called “Fromages du Jura”. These are different semi-hard cheeses, produced in a similar way to Tête de Moine, but with different shapes and nuances. They are eaten by the slice, unlike Tête de Moine AOP which is traditionally scraped with its Girolle®.
Most of the time, these cheeses bear the name of their place of origin: this is the case Chaux d’Abel, which is quite successful in French-speaking Switzerland. The sale and consumption of this tomme has remained very local, but it is well worth a visit to the only cheese shop in the area.
Storytime
Chaux-d’Abel was born of a fortunate set of circumstances. During a particularly harsh winter in the 1900s, some producers were unable to deliver their milk to the various cheese dairies in the region. So they decided to turn it into cheese themselves. One of them continued to transform his milk into cheese… and thus Chaux-d’Abel was born.
Where can I buy some?
The best thing to do is to make a detour to Chaux-d’Abel to visit its cheese factory and taste its specialities. As its production depends on the demand, you should not hesitate to order the product in advance on the website of the cheese factory.
Meat from the Jura
Pork and smoked specialities play an important role in the culinary heritage of the Jura, as witnessed by Saint Martin’s Day in November. Several smoked meats from the Jura can be tasted in the Canton of Jura and the Bernese Jura, such as dry or cooked bacon, côtines, which represent the 4th and 5th ribs of the pig, as well as the mèche, which corresponds to a smoked pork jowl.
Braisi is also typical of these regions. It is smoked beef to be cooked or smoked and dried, to be eaten raw. It is similar to the dried meat of the Valais or the Grisons.
The Fumoir de Champoz, which has been in operation for over 300 years, is located in a green setting. Visitors can taste the regional products, but also eat a traditional and generous cuisine.
The brand Viande chevaline suisse l’Originale is also part of the Swiss terroir. This brand, born of the desire to support and promote Swiss horse breeding, guarantees authentic, high-quality products
Where can I buy some?
The butchers of the Bernese Jura and the Jura are the best people to inform you about these various specialities. Don’t miss out on a visit, you won’t be disappointed!
Recipes
It is sometimes difficult to know how to cook horse meat. In order to make the most of this animal, Viande chevaline suisse l’Originale offers a number of recipes – all of them equally delicious.
Craft beers
Several breweries have sprung up in the area in recent years. In Saignelégier, a regional brewery was established in 1997: the Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM).
Founded by Jérome Rebetez, a young amateur who wanted to create beers with a local flavour, this brewery has since developed well. No less than 14 beers make up the classic range, supplemented from time to time by ephemeral specialities.
Backstage
The Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes organises guided tours as well as aperitifs and tastings every week. The brewery has also developed a refreshment bar that can accommodate up to 100 people – with 11 beers on tap and Jura specialities… of course!
Where to buy them?
The best thing to do is to buy BFM beers on the spot, after a visit and a tasting!
They are also available in many specialist shops throughout Switzerland as well as in the larger supermarkets. It is also possible to order them through various online platforms.
A little further
Not far from the borders of the Franches-Montagnes itself, there are other culinary specialities to be discovered during a trip to the region.
Three other craft breweries are located nearby: Bières & Co. in Corgémont, Blanche Pierre in Delémont and BLZ-Company in Orvin. They all offer tours and tastings on request.
Several artisanal distilleries are also present in the region and offer magnificent products. At the Distillerie de l’Echelette, in Orvin, Elodie Gerber distils various fruit brandies. At Gagygnole, in Souboz, three brothers highlight the regional soil in their spirits. Both distilleries offer visits and activities throughout the year.
Regional actors
