Top 5 Dutch Cheese Varieties

TOP 9 DUTCH CHEESE VARIETIES 1. GOUDA CHEESE Gouda cheese is the most important and famous Dutch type of cheese with a recog- nizable round flat shape and convex sides. Weighs about 12 kilos and, according to the law it must contain 48% fat in the dry matter. Firm shape (semi-hard consistency). The older the cheese, the more dry and spicier the taste. Variants: Baby Gouda, Gouda with cumin, Gouda with herbs and farmers Gouda 2. EDAM CHEESE It has a distinctive sphere or ball shape (1.7 kilos) and contains 40% fat in dry matter. Firm in shape and can be eaten at different ages. The older the cheese, the firmer and more spicier taste. Variants: Baby Edam, square Edam, bread Edam, Edam with cumin and Commission Cheese ( a double Edam cheese of approximately 2.5 kilos and orange color). 3. LEYDEN CHEESE The original cumin cheese. Flat Round with a acute angle to the side. Typical, is the lower fat content and the addition of cumin seeds. Dry, semi-hard cheese with a spicy, slightly sour flavor. Variant: Boeren Leidenkaas, with a fat content of 20% in dry matter and a dark red crust with the arms of Leiden printed in it. 4. FRISIAN CLOVE CHEESE Flat round with sharp corners on the side. Made from skimmed milk, with the addi- tion of cumin and cloves. Firmly pressed cheese. The older the cheese, more dry and more sour, and the flavor of cumin and cloves predominates. 5. DUTCH CHEESE WITH HOLES (MAASDAM) Flat round with a bulged top, caused by the propionic bacteria. These bacteria are also responsible for the large holes in the cheese and the sweet, nutty flavor. Is often sold under the brand 'Leerdam cheese!