Bushra Griffith
Amsterdam is a cheese-lover's dream, with a variety of cheeses to try and buy. The Netherlands is one of the biggest dairy producers in the world, and cheese is a highlight for the Dutch economy and a draw for visitors. While there is no specific Amsterdam cheese style, there are plenty of cheeses to try in the city. The most famous Dutch cheese is arguably Gouda, which is now often used as a generic term for Dutch-style cheese. However, there are many other Dutch cheeses to try, including Edam, Limburger, Beemster, and Leyden.
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What You'll Learn
- Gouda, a semi-hard cows' milk cheese, is one of the world's most famous cheeses
- Edam, a red-waxed semi-hard cows' milk cheese, was the world's most popular cheese for 400 years
- Boerenkaas, or farmhouse cheese, is made from the first milkings of cows in early summer
- Geitenkaas, a mild and creamy goat's milk cheese, is best enjoyed with a glass of sherry
- Graskaas, or grass cheese, is made from the first milkings of cows after being let out to pasture in spring
Gouda, a semi-hard cows' milk cheese, is one of the world's most famous cheeses
Amsterdam is a cheese-lover's haven. While there is no specific Amsterdam cheese style, the city and the Netherlands, in general, are known for their cheese varieties. Gouda, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese, is one of the world's most famous cheeses and is often used as a generic term for Dutch-style cheese. The cheese gets its name from the city of Gouda, where it was traditionally traded.
Gouda cheese has a distinct way of preparation and the aging process is the most important factor in determining its texture and flavour. Young Gouda is soft, while aging makes it harder and more flavourful. The cheese is made from the milk of Friesian cows, which graze on the moist and nutritious grass of the rich soil in North Holland. This combination of factors is the secret behind the famous creaminess and strong flavour of Dutch cheese.
Gouda is not just a type of cheese but also a way of making cheese. The process of making Gouda involves a unique set of tools and techniques that have been perfected over centuries. In fact, cheese-making equipment dating back to 200 B.C. has been discovered by archaeologists in the Netherlands, indicating a long history of cheese production in the region.
Today, Gouda cheese is produced worldwide, and its name has become synonymous with Dutch-style cheese. The city of Gouda, located in the province of South Holland, is known for its cheese markets, where visitors can sample and purchase various cheeses. The Amsterdam Cheese Museum, located in a building dating back to 1600, also offers free tastings of Gouda and other Dutch cheeses, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich history of cheese-making in the Netherlands.
In addition to Gouda, there are several other famous Dutch cheeses, including Edam, Limburger, and Beemster. These cheeses can be found in markets and specialty cheese shops throughout Amsterdam, offering a wide range of flavours and textures for cheese enthusiasts to explore.
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Edam, a red-waxed semi-hard cows' milk cheese, was the world's most popular cheese for 400 years
Amsterdam is a cheese-lover's haven, with cheese shops and markets dotted all over the city. While there is no specific Amsterdam cheese style, the Dutch cheese Edam, named after the town of Edam, was the world's most popular cheese for 400 years, from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Edam is a red-waxed, semi-hard cow's milk cheese. Its famous red wax seal prevented spoilage, allowing the cheese to travel across the world before refrigeration was invented. This led to the creation of a variety of Edam-like cheeses across the globe.
The Netherlands has a strong cheese culture, with recipes steeped in local traditions and ingredients. Dutch cheese often takes its name from its city of origin, such as Gouda, Limburg, and Leiden. Gouda, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese, is now a worldwide generic term for Dutch-style cheese. The first city to have a cheese scale was Gouda, and that is why the cheese was called Gouda. The second-oldest cheese scale in the Netherlands is in the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, which dates back to 1649. The oldest one is from 1647 and is located in the largest cheese museum in the country, in the city of Alkmaar.
The Northern part of Holland is close to the sea, which makes the grass saltier and better for cows, resulting in creamier milk. This is why Northern Holland cheeses are considered the best and most expensive. "Gouda" is a way of making cheese, and the aging process determines whether it becomes young and soft or harder and more flavourful.
Cheese-making equipment dating back to 200 B.C. has been discovered by archaeologists, indicating that the Dutch have had a long time to perfect the art of cheese-making. The Amsterdam Cheese Museum displays artifacts related to cheese history, such as antique cheese scales and a giant cheese press from 1870.
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Boerenkaas, or farmhouse cheese, is made from the first milkings of cows in early summer
Boerenkaas, or farmhouse cheese, is a type of Dutch cheese that is typically made from the first milkings of cows in early summer, after they have been let out into the pastures in spring. The name "farmhouse cheese" reflects its preparation using raw unpasteurised milk. This cheese has a mild yet rich taste and is usually sold in May or June.
The process of making Boerenkaas involves using the milk from the first milkings of cows that have returned to the fields after spending the winter indoors. This timing is important as it contributes to the unique characteristics of the cheese. The milk from these early milkings is known for its high quality and flavour, which is imparted to the resulting cheese.
The tradition of making Boerenkaas is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and history. In the Netherlands, cheese-making has been practised for centuries, with equipment dating back to 200 B.C. having been discovered by archaeologists. Dutch cheese often takes its name from its city of origin, such as Gouda, Limburg, and Leiden. While there is no specific cheese style unique to Amsterdam, the city is renowned for its diverse selection of Dutch cheeses.
Amsterdam is a haven for cheese lovers, with cheese shops, markets, and even a cheese museum offering a wide variety of Dutch cheeses to sample and purchase. The Amsterdam Cheese Museum, for example, provides visitors with free entrance and complimentary tastes of various Dutch cheeses, including Gouda and Edam. The museum also displays antique cheese-making equipment and artefacts, providing a glimpse into the rich history of cheese production in the Netherlands.
When visiting Amsterdam, it is recommended to explore the local cheese shops and markets to find authentic Dutch cheeses. Shops like De Kaaskamer and Fromagerie Kef are known for their knowledgeable staff and excellent selections, including offerings from Dutch farmers. Markets such as the Albert Cuyp Markt also provide an opportunity to interact with local cheese vendors and sample a variety of Dutch and foreign cheeses.
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Geitenkaas, a mild and creamy goat's milk cheese, is best enjoyed with a glass of sherry
Amsterdam is a cheese-lover's dream, with a variety of cheeses to try. One of the most famous Dutch cheeses is Edam, which for 400 years was the world's most popular cheese. The distinctive red wax seal of Edam meant that it did not spoil, only hardened, allowing it to be transported worldwide.
Another famous Dutch cheese is Gouda, which is now a generic term for Dutch-style cheese. Gouda is traditionally traded in the town of Gouda and is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese.
However, a lesser-known cheese, Geitenkaas, is a must-try for any visitor to Amsterdam. Geitenkaas is a mild and creamy goat's milk cheese, which is best enjoyed with a glass of sherry. This Dutch cheese is appreciated both within the Netherlands and beyond its borders. The KwaliGeit programme ensures quality, with goat's milk collectors and processors responsible for the product. The milk is collected from Dutch White Goats or cross-breeds and is pasteurised before rennet and lactic acid are added. The cheese is then ripened, either naturally in the Netherlands or in foil packaging, for a minimum of 25 days.
The mild flavour of Geitenkaas is a great pairing with the right glass of sherry. A dry Oloroso sherry, for example, will complement the creamy texture of the cheese. A glass of Fino sherry, with its nutty and tangy flavours, will also match the mildness of the cheese. For a sweeter option, a glass of Pedro Ximenez sherry will bring out the creamy notes of the Geitenkaas.
So, for any visitor to Amsterdam, a plate of Geitenkaas and a glass of sherry is a unique and delicious experience.
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Graskaas, or grass cheese, is made from the first milkings of cows after being let out to pasture in spring
Amsterdam is a cheese lover's haven. While there is no specific Amsterdam cheese style, there are many cheese varieties to try in the city. One of these is Graskaas, or grass cheese. This seasonal cow's milk cheese is made from the first milkings of cows after being let out to pasture in spring.
Graskaas is a sweet and creamy cheese with a distinctive blue vein, which has been compared in colour to the famous Delft pottery. It is typically found in nicer supermarkets and cheese shops. It is a great option for those who want to bring a taste of Amsterdam home with them, as it can be vacuum-sealed.
Graskaas is made from the milk of Friesian cows, which is known for its creaminess and strong flavour. This is due to the cows feeding on the perfect combination of nutritious, moist grass and salty grass from the Northern part of Holland, which has high sand levels due to its proximity to the sea.
The process of making Graskaas involves letting the cows out to pasture in the spring and then using the first milkings of their milk to create the cheese. This results in a seasonal cheese that is typically sold in early summer, so it is best to seek it out in May or June.
In addition to Graskaas, there are many other Dutch cheeses to try in Amsterdam, such as Edam, Gouda, Limburger, and Beemster. These cheeses can be found in local cheese shops, markets, and even some supermarkets.
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Frequently asked questions
Some famous Dutch cheeses include Edam, Gouda, Leyden, and Limburger.
Edam is a red-waxed semi-hard cow's milk cheese named after the town of Edam. It was the world's most popular cheese for 400 years due to its non-perishable nature.
Gouda is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese traditionally traded in Gouda. It is now used as a generic term for Dutch-style cheese.
Some unique cheeses to try in Amsterdam include Geitenkaas (goat cheese), Maasdammer (similar to Swiss Emmental), and Nagelkaas (clove cheese).
