How Did Gouda Cheese Get Its Name?

Cheese is one of the most assorted and delicate foods that is enjoyed by many of us around the world. There are many different types of cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, Edam and Swiss cheese to name a few. Each type of cheese comes with a different taste or smell. The taste of cheeses can range from being mild to sharp while the smell can either be mild or intense. Cheese can be enjoyed at any time of the day and can be enjoyed with wines, in platters and as an addition in pastas and sauces.

Gouda is a popular cheese that is found worldwide. With different varieties available it is enjoyed by many of us.  Originating in Netherlands, it is now manufactured and exported to many countries across the globe. The main characteristic of this cheese is that it has a very distinct sweet taste. This cheese is also high in calcium and phosphorus and although has a sweet taste, it is low in sugar.

Gouda Cheese And Its Origin

Gouda cheese is a Dutch cheese and the name originates from the city in the southern province of Netherlands. Its name is not protected but the European Commission established that ‘Gouda Holland’ is to be protected. This cheese is still traded in the cheese market that is held every Thursday. This is an orange-colored, semi hard cheese produced from cow milk that has been cultured. There are many variations of the cheese and it can range from being very mild to very sharp but the sharpness varies depending on the age of the cheese. This cheese is usually commonly seen on dessert platters and just like cheddar goes well with wine and sandwiches.

How Is Gouda Made?

Gouda is made from cow milk that has been cultured. The milk is heated through until the curds and whey separate. Some of the whey will then get drained and a small portion of water gets added. This is a process that is termed washing the curd. It is in this process that a portion of lactic acid gets washed away leaving the sweet taste we enjoy with Gouda. The cheese is then pressed for hours in a mold to give its shape that’s become traditional.

Afterward a brine soak is used for more flavors before a few days of drying followed by aging. Gouda cheese is aged for some weeks to as long as three years or more. To get a sharper taste, the cheese is aged a lot longer. Aged Gouda can have a robust caramel flavor with crystals giving it a bit of a crunch.
In addition to the aged, young and farm versions, you will also find smoked Gouda. Other cheese makers may spice it with caraway, pepper, nettle, mustard, cumin, and clove or mixed seasons. Today you also find this cheese that has been beer washed and even some holey cheese with a sweeter taste made from propionic cultures.