GOUDA

For centuries farmers brought their cheeses made on the farm to sell at the market in Gouda. This is why the cheese is named after this picturesque historic town, which lies in the west of the Netherlands between The Hague and Utrecht.

Today it is the best-known and most widely eaten Dutch cheese. The traditional semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurised cow’s milk, and has a fruity, creamy, full flavour. As the cheese matures, its flavour becomes stronger. The age varies from young to mature, aged between four weeks and 18 months or more.

When grated it is a good cheese for gratin dishes as it melts well, and in chunks it is delicious as a traditional Dutch aperitif.