Gouda, a semisoft Dutch cheese made from whole cows’ milk, is smooth-textured,
mellow, and a bit salty. Gouda has been produced since the 6th century and exported since the
13th century. It accounts for more than 60 percent of the cheese produced in Holland.
Varieties
Gouda is now produced in many other countries around the world, generally by the same
methods, although in some countries government regulations prohibit the use of raw milk. Look
for Gouda from Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Brazil, as well as Sweden, Norway, and
other European countries.
Traditional Dutch Gouda
This cheese is imported in thick, round-edged wheels that measure about 10 inches (25.4cm)
across and weigh from 8 to 22 pounds (3.6 to 10 kg).
Aged Gouda
With its intense flavor, this cheese is appropriate for shredding and grating. It is aged
for 18 months and coated in black wax, which offers a sharp visual contrast to the orange
cheese. Specialty Goudas may have cracked pepper, garlic, and onions, caraway or cumin seed,
or nettles and other fresh herbs mixed into the curd. Aged Gouda that has been cured for two
years is a rarer product, and one prized by cheese experts.
Boerenkass and aged Boerenkass
These are rare Dutch farmhouse–type Gouda cheeses made from cows’ milk in 18 to
28 pound (8 to 12.6 kg) wheels. Young Boerenkass is typically aged for about four months; the
aged type is cured for as long as five or seven years.
Goat’s milk Gouda
This type, also made in Holland, resembles traditional Gouda in texture and physical
appearance, but has a tangier flavor.
American Gouda
Mass-produced in Wisconsin and New York state, this cheese is very similar to the Dutch
original. It is available in wheels weighing less than a pound (450g). Today, a number of
skilled American artisans also produce unusual and highly prized Goudas.
Availability
Gouda is widely available in health food stores, specialty stores, and markets, although
rarer aged and spiced varieties can be harder to find.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Gouda is good as a table cheese, and for snacks and grilling. Aged Gouda can be grated over
baked potatoes or included in potatoes au gratin, and
goes well with good bread and any type of wine or beer. Gouda is a breakfast staple in Europe,
eaten with fresh fruit.
Nutritional Highlights
Gouda cheese, 1 slice 1 oz. (28g)
Calories: 101
Protein: 7.0g
Carbohydrate: 0.63g
Total Fat: 7.8g
Fiber: 0.0g
*Excellent source of: Calcium (198mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
