During a recent visit to Saanen, one of nine villages around Gstaad in the canton of Bern, I discovered a mustard known as Saanen-Senf. Senf means mustard in German, but this product contains an ingredient not typically found in this popular condiment: Swiss cherries.
You may already be familiar with a similar product, Moutarde de Bénichon (Bénichon Mustard) from the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Like Saanen-Senf, Moutarde de Bénichon also more closely resembles a jam than a mustard — although both typically contain mustard powder. Bénichon Mustard is made with vin cuit, a thick pear-based syrup, as well as spices, like star anise, cinnamon and cloves. In comparison, Saanen-Senf uses cherry must — which Patrimoine Culinaire Suisse describes as a cherry-based version of vin cuit.
According to Gstaad Saanenland Tourism, Saanen’s mustard is commonly paired with ham or sausages. This sweet, spiced jam goes nicely with salty, cured meat. For example, you may find it on the menu at the Swiss Stübli of the five-star Alpina Gstaad hotel, served with sausages on a bed of cabbage and alongside roasted potatoes.
Where to buy it – Local bakeries, dairies and small markets in the Gstaad Saanenland region, such as the following:
- Bäckerei Müller, Dorfstrasse 57, 3792 Saanen
- Molkerei Saanen, Dorfstrasse 88, 3792 Saanen
How to make it – Swissmilk has published a recipe in French and German for Moutarde de Saanen.
Updated: May 10, 2022