Gouda cheese might be the most popular cheese in the Netherlands. It is named for the town of its origin.
Gouda cheese is made of pasteurized, skimmed whole cow’s milk. Its rind is symbolic, being orange, white, and even red.
You can learn everything you need to know about gouda cheese, as well as how to store and cut it, in this post.
What is the Origin of Gouda Cheese?
You won’t be surprised to learn that the name of this cow’s milk cheese comes from the Dutch town of Gouda. Yes, that is accurate. That’s how far back this product’s history dates, to the 12th century in Europe. Gouda is therefore an old cheese. Farmers in the nearby polders, which are man-made expanses of land created from reclaimed water, produced gouda back then. Farm-based artisans who make cheese would transport it to the city’s market area.
Since then, this Dutch cheese won the hearts of Europeans, but also Americans. We’re confident that you adore it.
Here are some important things to know about gouda now that you are familiar with its history.
How to Cut Gouda Cheese?
Gouda cheese’s distinctive orange color makes it a wonderful addition to a lovely cheese platter. It gives the image some color and some zing. Moreover, as far as we know, it is a cheese that generally pleases most people.
Use a sharp knife without teeth to cut gouda properly. Cutting this cheese requires strict adherence to the heart-rind principle. Of course, if you enjoy this dairy product, you are free to cut it into traditional pieces. The golden rule is still to treat yourself well and make your guests feel welcome.
How and How Can You Store Gouda Cheese?
This Dutch cheese can be stored for up to 10 days when it is fresh and for 15 days to 3 weeks when it is past its prime. We suggest placing it in an airtight bow in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and ensure an exquisite flavor. Ideally, it is preferable to wrap it in the cheese maker’s paper before. If you follow these tips, you will be able to store your gouda for about 15 days without any trouble or any alteration of the taste.
However, be careful! The longer you wait to eat this cheese, the more it loses the flavors. Do not let it sit for too long in the fridge!
What Are the Best Recipes With Gouda Cheese?
Want to try some original dish recipes with these uncooked pressed cheeses? It’s true that some tantalizing concepts are on the way. When making some cheesy dishes at home in America, gouda is quite well-liked. But hey! Remember… There is much more than burgers with gouda cheese! Here come some ideas:
- Potato, bacon, and Gouda gratin is a delicious winter recipe idea that will satisfy even the most ravenous individuals among you!
- Simple and effective pasta with grated gouda! Pasta made with gouda is a fantastic substitute for Emmental, Comte, or Gruyere pasta. Think about it!
- These appetizers, butternut-Gouda pot stickers, are incredible!
- Cold sandwich with 2 cheeses and ham or chicken: combine emmental with gouda in this recipe and make a delicious French sandwich!
Which Condiment Goes Best With Gouda Cheese?
You might ignore it, but… gouda cheese goes wonderfully with a juicy pear and wholemeal bread. An original and surprising pairing that will be of great interest at your dinner parties. Put a few slices of pear next to the cheese on a cheese platter and let your guests help themselves. Yummy!
What is the Difference Between Mimolette and Gouda?
We’ve noticed that many cheese lovers frequently mix up these two cheeses due to their orange hue. In order to help you, here is a small summary of the main differences between gouda and mimolette:
- Mimolette has a bright orange paste and an orange rind. A paste is present in gouda.
- To prevent weight loss during transport, gouda cheese is frequently coated in paraffin. For mimolette, it is not the case.
- Moreover, to clear your mind, mimolette is a French cheese. Holland is the origin of gouda.
- While mimolette originated in France in the 17th century, gouda dates back to the Middle Ages.
P.S. The original gouda exporters in the Netherlands are responsible for the paraffin coating trick. A clever strategy for preserving the cheese’s quality while traveling. Aren’t the Dutch quite intelligent?
What Are the Types of Gouda?
The type of gouda cheese mostly depends on the affinage (the aging process) during the cheese making process. The typical shelf life of industrial goudas is three months. On the other hand, you can find an extra aged gouda, sometimes called ‘Christmas Gouda’. The affinage lasts up to 36 months for this type. That is a type of gouda that you can find exclusively in cheese shops, such as Paroles de Fromagers. The flavor of young gouda is fruity and buttery, while that of old gouda is stronger and more pronounced. It is up to you!
Can I Eat Gouda If I’m Pregnant?
Of course, the answer is yes. Gouda cheese is made from pasteurized milk, as was previously stated, so pregnant women have no issues.
Conclusion
Gouda cheese was first made in Gouda, Netherlands. It has special rinds different from regular cheese. It goes well with bread and is suitable for those who are pregnant.
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FAQs
Is Gouda American or Dutch?
Gouda is a Dutch cheese that belongs to the uncooked pressed cheeses type. It is probably the most popular cheese in the Netherlands, along with Edam. This dairy product is made from pasteurized, skimmed whole cow’s milk.
Is Gouda Stronger than Cheddar?
Cheddar has a stronger flavor. Gouda cheese has a sweet and nutty flavor, whereas cheddar cheese’s flavor is less sweet, more buttery, and overall stronger. You can use Gouda and cheddar interchangeably in many cheese recipes.
Will Gouda Cheese Melt?
Consequently, Gouda has lower acidity than many other cheeses — and, as a result, a “sweeter” flavor profile and a supple, chewy texture. Younger Gouda melts brilliantly (aged Gouda is usually labeled as such, while younger varieties often have a red wax coating).
