Why the term "the nuns" during a cheese raclette?

When tastinga raclette with cheese made from raw cow's milk with a good glass of white wine, diners frequently ask where the expression "the nuns" comes from to designate the crust of the melted cheese that is served or not with the raclette au cheese (half wheel), according to each person's preference. But the term "religious" also refers to the cheese crust that forms at the bottom of the fondue pot.

A 1st hypothesis on the origin of the term "religious" 

The expression "religious" is an appellation whose origin is difficult to define. It is important to note that this word, in this sense, is only used in Suisse Romande (French-speaking part of Switzerland) and in Savoie. In France, the term "religious" designates a pastry. Most books dealing with the history of cheese and raclette only explain it, without really justifying its origin. However, Jacques Montandon (TV presenter of a cooking show on the Swiss TV channel (TSR) in the 1960s) gives an anecdote in his books that could explain its origin.

According to him, the term "nuns" originated because when nuns visited their families in the early twentieth century, they asked them to set aside anything not used in the kitchen, such as cheese crusts. They would have used these for their gratin. Since their gratin had a better flavor thanks to these leftover cheeses, we began to eat regularly what had previously been reserved for the nun's plate.

If we stay on the religious side here is another hypothesis

This expression would come from the fact that the monks, when they feasted on pieces of cheese, left only the crust to the believers who delighted in these pieces which are still today a real delight for gourmets.

An additional hypothesis

A hundred years ago, the sisters who lived in the Château de Valère in Sion in Valais (Switzerland) had little to survive the winter. But they were greedy, and when they ate cheese in the afternoon, they hid the crusts of the cheese in their clothes so that once they returned to the privacy of their room, they could toast them by candlelight for them. taste just fondant.


A 4th hypothesis could be simply the following

 
She is called "nun" because she has divinely A good taste. This crust will be served with a squeegee for those who like this grilled and crispy side.

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