South Holland · Netherlands
Gouda.
Gouda's washed-curd process yields a deceptively smooth canvas that transforms with age—young wheels offer creamy sweetness and subtle caramel notes, while aged versions develop a complex landscape of butterscotch, toasted grain, and the satisfying crunch of salt crystals between your teeth. Its semi-firm paste melts slowly, releasing warm nutty undertones that linger on the palate like a whisper of toffee.
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The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Gouda is named after the city of Gouda in South Holland, where Dutch farmers have traded cheese at market since at least the 14th century. The city served as a central market rather than a production center; actual production occurred on farms throughout the region. Gouda's distinctive washed-curd process (replacing some whey with warm water during cheesemaking) creates a sweeter, less acidic flavor than cheddar-family cheeses.
Aged Gouda develops tyrosine crystals that provide crunchy texture. The Codex Alimentarius standard CODEX STAN 266-1966 governs generic Gouda. 'Noord-Hollandse Gouda' received its own EU PDO in 2010.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · pasteurised
- Family
- Semi-hard
- Rind
- wax
- Age
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
Caseo's flavour axes are drawn from each cheese's flavour and aroma profile. This is Gouda's fingerprint.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for semi-hard cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about ≈1 h before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Cut thin half-moons or batons from the wedge; trim waxed or inedible rinds as you go.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Gouda.
26 pairings across 9 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Gouda are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Gouda at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
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