Bushra Griffith
Gouda is a hard, sweet cheese that is often covered in a red wax coating. This wax coating is not meant to be eaten and should be removed before consuming the cheese. However, the rind of the cheese, which is the hardened outer part, can be eaten and provides a textural contrast to the cheese. Some people choose to remove the rind before eating, while others leave it on. Ultimately, the decision to eat the rind or not is a matter of personal preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Edibility of red wax coating on Gouda cheese | Not meant to be eaten, but not poisonous |
| Gouda cheese texture | Hard |
| Gouda cheese taste | Sweet |
| Common pairings with Gouda cheese | Fruits like peaches and pears, whole grain bread, crackers, wine |
| Gouda cheese storage | Wrap in parchment paper, put in a plastic bag, store in the warmest part of the refrigerator |
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What You'll Learn
- Gouda cheese rinds can be red wax, which is inedible
- Rinds are formed naturally or by the cheesemaker to protect the cheese
- Some rinds are edible, but whether you eat them is a personal preference
- Gouda cheese pairs well with fruits like peaches and pears
- Gouda cheese can be grated and added to vegetable dishes
Gouda cheese rinds can be red wax, which is inedible
Gouda is a hard, sweet cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. It can be eaten with fruit and bread on a cheese platter, or enjoyed with a glass of wine. It is also great in sandwiches, vegetable dishes, and other cooked recipes.
Rinds are formed naturally or by the cheesemaker and are there to protect the cheese and sometimes to flavour it. They provide a textural contrast to the cheese, but ultimately, whether you choose to eat them or not is a personal decision. If you are unsure about eating the rind, just try a little bite with the interior (also known as the paste of the cheese and see what you think.
Some rinds are thick, some are thin, and the range of texture and colour is astounding. If you are trying out a new cheese, it is recommended to take two bites: one bite with the rind and one without. By doing this, you can determine which you prefer and which will better suit your snacking or cooking purposes.
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Rinds are formed naturally or by the cheesemaker to protect the cheese
Gouda is a hard, sweet cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. It is often coated in wax before being set out to dry and age, which prevents the cheese from drying out too much. This wax coating is typically peeled away before eating, although some people do eat it. Dutch cheesemaker and consultant Mewis Hettinga says that while it is best to remove about half a centimeter of the wax rind first, the rest is edible.
There are several types of rinds, including:
- Natural rinds, which form during the aging process and are typically found on cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. They tend to have a bitter taste and impart woodsy, smoky, or meaty flavours to the cheese.
- Washed rinds, which are created by secondary cultures introduced by the cheesemaker. They are often sticky and orange and appear on stinky cheeses. They can be flavoured with cider, cognac, beer, wine, salt, or alcohol.
- Bloomy rinds, which are soft white mould rinds that sprout during the aging process. They are found on cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Robiola, and add texture and mushroomy flavour to the cheese.
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Some rinds are edible, but whether you eat them is a personal preference
Some people enjoy eating cheese rinds, while others do not. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. Cheese rinds can be formed naturally or by the cheesemaker and are there to protect the cheese and sometimes to flavour it. They provide a textural contrast to the cheese.
Some cheese rinds are edible, while others are not. It is important to check whether a cheese rind is edible before consuming it. Some cheeses, such as Italian Gorgonzola Dolcelatte, have rinds that are not toxic but can bring an unpleasant taste to the otherwise sweet flavour of the cheese. Other cheeses, such as Brie, have edible rinds that add texture and flavour to the cheese.
Gouda cheese sometimes has a red or black wax coating that needs to be removed before the cheese can be eaten. This wax coating is not meant to be eaten and is not considered edible. However, the hardened outer part of the cheese or the rind on Gouda cheese is edible, and some people choose to leave it on when cutting up the cheese.
When trying a new cheese, it is recommended to take two bites: one with the rind and one without. This allows you to determine your preference and whether you will include the rind when snacking or cooking with the cheese. Ultimately, whether you choose to eat the cheese rind or not is a personal decision.
Cheese professionals and enthusiasts have differing preferences when it comes to rinds, and the only way to know your preference is to taste the cheese and its rind. If you are unsure about eating the rind, you can try a small bite with the interior of the cheese and see what you think.
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Gouda cheese pairs well with fruits like peaches and pears
Gouda is a hard, sweet cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. It can be enjoyed with fruits, bread, crackers, wine, and beer. When it comes to fruits, gouda goes well with sweet fruits like peaches and pears, specifically d'Anjou pears. The smooth, buttery, and nutty flavour of gouda complements the sweet, juicy taste of peaches. Similarly, the sweet, citrusy flavour of pears pairs beautifully with the sweetness of gouda.
The rind on the cheese, which is the hardened outer part, is typically edible. Some people choose to eat it, while others prefer to eat around it and discard it. The rind provides a textural contrast to the cheese, and whether or not to eat it is a matter of personal preference. Gouda cheese wheels may have a red or black wax coating that needs to be removed before consuming the cheese.
Gouda can be sliced, grated, or added to various dishes. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in sandwiches, vegetable dishes, or cooked recipes. When pairing gouda with wine, red wine lovers can opt for a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, or Zinfandel. For white wine enthusiasts, a Chardonnay or white Burgundy is an excellent choice. As for beer, gouda pairs well with beers that have rich caramel flavours, such as amber ales, brown ales, and brown porters.
In addition to fruits, gouda also pairs well with other foods. It can be enjoyed with crackers or whole grain bread for a light appetizer. Grated gouda can be added to vegetable dishes to enhance their flavour. Gouda is also a great addition to sandwiches, providing a creamy and nutty taste. Overall, gouda is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and its sweet and nutty flavour makes it a delightful pairing with fruits like peaches and pears.
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Gouda cheese can be grated and added to vegetable dishes
Gouda is a hard, sweet cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. It can be eaten with fruit and bread on a cheese platter or grated and added to vegetable dishes.
Before eating gouda, you must first cut it into wedges and remove any casing on the cheese. Some gouda cheese comes with a red or black wax coating that needs to be removed before eating. This wax coating is not meant to be eaten and can be removed by peeling it away with your fingers or a knife.
Once the wax coating is removed, the gouda can be grated using a grater over a plate or bowl. The grated gouda can then be added to vegetable dishes or other cooked recipes. Gouda also goes well with bread, crackers, and fruits like pears and peaches.
When pairing gouda with wine, a light, fruity wine is a good choice. For white wine drinkers, a Chardonnay or white Burgundy is a suitable option. If you prefer red wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, or Zinfandel will complement the cheese's flavor.
In summary, gouda cheese can be grated and added to vegetable dishes to enhance their flavor. Just remember to remove any wax coating on the cheese before grating and consider pairing it with the right drinks and sides to create a delicious meal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the red wax coating on Gouda cheese is not meant to be eaten and should be discarded. It is not poisonous, but it is not meant for consumption.
Yes, it is recommended to remove the wax coating before consuming the cheese. You can peel the wax off each wedge using your fingers or a knife.
The plastic wrapping around the cheese should be removed and discarded before consuming the cheese. Some Gouda cheeses may also have a rind or outer hardened part that can be eaten but is not preferred by some due to its texture.
![[Pack of 3] Dutchmark Red Wax Gouda Cheese – Semi-Firm, Nutty, and Mellow Flavor – Aged 4 Weeks, Imported from Holland – Perfect for Snacking, Cheese Boards, and Pairing with Wine – Ship Refrigerated with Express Mail and Ice Packs - Approx 3 Pound Each](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51U95vt9gwL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
