Andy Montoya
Beemster cheese is a Dutch cheese from the Beemster region in the countryside of North Holland. It was introduced in the 1970s and is handcrafted using milk from Beemster cows and goats. Beemster cheese is known for its rich, creamy flavour and ranges in texture from firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy. The brand offers a variety of cheeses, including gouda, which is a popular Dutch cheese variety. Gouda is typically made with cow's milk, although Beemster also offers a goat gouda, which has a sweet taste and a semi-firm texture. The longer gouda is aged, the more intense its flavour becomes, developing notes of caramel or butterscotch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Gouda: The Netherlands; Beemster: North Holland, The Netherlands |
| Main ingredients | Gouda: Cow's milk; Beemster: Milk from Beemster cows and goats |
| Texture | Gouda: Smooth; Beemster: Firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy |
| Taste | Gouda: Mild nuttiness; Beemster: Sweet |
| Colour | Gouda: Milky pale to warm golden; Beemster: Golden |
| Crystals | Gouda: Yes; Beemster: Yes |
| Grass-fed | Gouda: Yes; Beemster: Yes |
| Lactose | Gouda: Yes; Beemster: Minimal |
| Gluten | Gouda: Not mentioned; Beemster: Gluten-free |
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What You'll Learn
Beemster cheese is made in North Holland
Beemster's master cheesemakers have been crafting cheese for over 115 years, using milk from small, sustainable family farms. The result is a diverse range of cheeses, from firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy, with Beemster's signature nutty and butter-rich flavour profiles. Beemster cheese is made with milk from both cows and goats, with options available for those who are lactose intolerant or gluten intolerant.
Beemster cheese comes in a variety of ages, with some cheeses aged for as little as four months and others for up to 26 months. The longer ageing process results in a more intense flavour, with extra-aged Goudas developing a rich, savoury flavour with notes of caramel or butterscotch. Beemster's young and mild cheeses, such as Graskaas, offer a seasonal variety made from the first grazing of the year, while their aged Goudas, such as the Classic and XO varieties, boast a warm golden hue and a smooth, firm texture.
Beemster cheese has received international recognition, winning awards such as the World Cheese Championship Contest Gold and the World Top 20 Cheese. The versatility of Beemster cheese extends beyond the cheeseboard, as it can be used in recipes such as sandwiches, baked macaroni, soups, and Tex-Mex dishes. The Smoked Hatch Pepper Gouda, made with Certified Hatch Valley Chile Peppers and smoked over hickory wood in the USA, is a unique variety that adds a smoky flavour to dishes like mac-n-cheese and cheeseburgers.
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Beemster cheese is gluten-free
Beemster is a type of Gouda cheese, and its flavour ranges from firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy. The cheese is handcrafted by master cheesemakers using traditional artisan techniques, such as hand-stirring the curd and ripening it at different temperatures and humidities. The cheese is also washed multiple times to remove lactose, making it suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
Beemster cheese comes in a variety of ages and flavours, including classic aged Gouda, Smoked Hatch Pepper Gouda, and younger wheels infused with flavours like pumpkin spice, mustard, and garlic. The longer the cheese is aged, the more intense the flavour becomes. Beemster cheese is available in grocery stores, specialty cheese shops, and online retailers across the United States and Canada.
Beemster cheese is not only gluten-free but also free of artificial hormones and antibiotics. The cows and goats that produce the milk for the cheese are raised humanely, with free-range access to pesticide-free pastures, clean air, and fresh water. This commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices ensures that Beemster cheese is of the highest quality and produced in a responsible manner.
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Beemster cheese is safe for most people who are lactose intolerant
Beemster cheese is a Dutch cheese that was introduced in the 1970s. It is made in the Beemster Polder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Holland, using milk from cows and goats that graze on the region's nutrient-dense grasses. This gives Beemster milk its rich, sweet, and creamy flavour, which is then handcrafted into award-winning cheeses by master cheesemakers.
The process of making Beemster cheese involves hand-stirring the curd and ripening it at different temperatures and humidities. This handicraft nature contributes to the unique flavour and texture of Beemster cheese. The region's slate-blue clay soil also contributes to the quality of the milk, as it contains high levels of nutrients and minerals, making the grasses ideal for grazing animals.
Beemster cheese offers a range of flavours and textures, from firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy. Their classic aged Gouda, for example, has a warm golden hue and delivers a mild nuttiness balanced by a firm, smooth texture. Beemster also offers innovative flavours, such as their Smoked Hatch Pepper Gouda, which is naturally smoked over hickory wood, and their younger wheels infused with flavours like pumpkin spice, mustard, and garlic.
In summary, Beemster cheese is not only safe for most people with lactose intolerance but also offers a diverse range of flavours, textures, and varieties. Its rich history, traditional craftsmanship, and dedication to sustainability make Beemster cheese a unique and award-winning choice for cheese enthusiasts worldwide.
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Beemster cheese is made with milk from Beemster cows and goats
Beemster offers a range of cheeses, including their classic aged Gouda and younger varieties infused with flavours like pumpkin spice, mustard, and garlic. Their Smoked Hatch Pepper Gouda, made with Certified Hatch Valley Chile Peppers and smoked over hickory wood, is a unique variety. Beemster also produces goat cheese, which has a smooth, semi-firm texture and a sweet, mild flavour. This variety has won awards such as the World Cheese Championship Contest Gold.
The process of cheesemaking at Beemster involves washing the curds multiple times, which removes much of the lactose. As a result, most of their cheeses are safe for lactose-intolerant individuals. Beemster cheeses aged for at least four months, such as the Farmers' Choice, Signature, and Classic varieties, tend to be well-tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.
Beemster cheese is more than just a product; it represents the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the region. The cooperative is committed to sustainability, animal welfare, and ethical labour practices. With their small family farms and traditional methods, Beemster has built a reputation for creating irresistible cheeses that are now available in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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Beemster cheese is renowned for its rich, creamy texture
Beemster cheese is made with milk from Beemster cows and goats and comes in a variety of textures, from firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy. The longer the cheese is aged, the harder and more intense the flavour becomes. Beemster cheese is also safe for people with lactose intolerance, as the curds are washed multiple times, removing much of the lactose.
The award-winning Beemster cheese cooperative, CONO, produces about 30,000 tons of Beemster cheese annually, with only 475 farmers. The cheese is available in grocery stores, specialty cheese shops, and online retailers across the United States and Canada.
Beemster offers a wide variety of cheeses, including their famous Gouda. Beemster Gouda, such as the Vlaskaas variety, is known for its smooth, creamy texture and unique flavour. The Graskaas, or "grass cheese", is a young, mild, and seasonal variety made from the first grazing of the year. Beemster also offers innovative flavours like Smoked Hatch Pepper Gouda, infused with mustard, pumpkin spice, and garlic.
Beemster cheese, particularly the Gouda varieties, has gained recognition for its rich, creamy texture and distinct flavour profiles. The combination of high-quality milk, traditional craftsmanship, and innovative flavours has made Beemster cheese a renowned and beloved product worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Beemster is a type of Dutch cheese handcrafted using milk from Beemster cows and goats. The curd is hand-stirred and ripened at different temperatures and humidities. Beemster cheese is known for its rich, creamy flavour and ranges in texture from firm and buttery to hard and butterscotchy.
Gouda is a Dutch cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a smooth texture. The longer it's aged, the harder and more intense in flavour it becomes.
Yes, Gouda is a type of Beemster cheese. Beemster offers a variety of Gouda cheeses, including the Beemster Vlaskaas Gouda, which has been described as "expensive but worth it". Beemster also produces a Smoked Hatch Pepper Gouda, made with Certified Hatch Valley Chile Peppers and smoked over hickory wood.
