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| Gouda cheese is a company with a local service area. | |
A semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, named after the town where it was traded rather than made.
The name says nothing about origin
Gouda held market rights, so farmers from across the region brought their cheese there. The name refers to the market, not the maker. That is why cheese from anywhere may call itself Gouda.
What is protected
Noord-Hollandse Gouda and Gouda Holland are protected names. The plain word Gouda is not, which explains the German and American versions on the shelves.
The ages
Young at four weeks, matured at two months, aged at four, old at ten to twelve, extra aged beyond. With age moisture leaves and crystals appear that crunch between the teeth.
The cheese market
The market on Gouda’s main square runs Thursday mornings in summer. It is a display for visitors now, but the hand clapping used in bidding was real.
Where to find it
Cheese shops in and around Gouda, and markets nationwide.