Dutch cheeses: what are they and what types are there?

Today we’re going to delve into a subject that will leave you drooling. Because in this article you’ll find out everything about Dutch cheeses, from their types to an incredible recipe!

For about 8 centuries now, Dutch cheeses carry a worldwide fame. So, the Netherlands is a producer of cheeses from places that raise the famous “Dutch cows”.

Although it is produced manually, what sets this cheese apart is its quality standard, made using a rigorous and excellent production process.

Why did Holland become the land of cheese?

In the Netherlands The passion for cheeses began a long time ago, in archaeological excavations it was proven that producing cheese was an ancient practice, thousands of years old.

It was during the reign of Julius Caesar that a military report stated that he would have been surprised that the Netherlands was heavily producing cheese.

In fact, this pioneering Dutch cheese production was aimed at more personal consumption. Thus, in the Middle Ages, the country began to export this product and it did not take long for it to be known as the “land of cheese”.

See right now what types of Dutch cheeses there are!

Certainly, the Gouda It is a well-known cheese that is widely used here in Brazil. But there are others just as good as this one that can surprise your palate. Let's find out what they are?

Edam

Edam is a cheese that is very easy to identify because it is packaged with red cellophane.

Even though it has a lot of fat, its spicy and dry flavor is very popular among people with a palate that appreciates peculiar flavors.

Leiden

Have you tried Leiden? It is made with cow's milk selected and, because of this, it is not as greasy as others.

This cheese has a very strong spiciness, reminiscent of Gouda cheese. But don't be confused, Leiden is prepared with specific spices, such as caraway seeds and cumin.

Maasdammer

Even with a not so common name, the cheese in question is very popular in the city of Maasdammer, and can often be found in specialized markets.

Having a dome shape, it also resembles the taste of nuts and large holes, its variations can be enjoyed, such as Leerdammer or Maasdam.

Boerenkaas

It is from natural milk that this cheese typically artisanal is prepared. For its production, it is necessary to use cow's milk from farms and it is mixed with at least three other types of milk.

Goat cheese

This Dutch cheese is divided into two groups: the first is fresh and soft and the second is semi-hard and cured, reminiscent of Gouda. It has a pale appearance, intense flavor and creaminess.

smoked cheese

Its manufacture involves melting, smoking and then it takes the shape of sausage and is sold in slices.

Frisian Clove Cheese

Frisian clove cheese is made with skimmed milk, cumin and cloves, giving it a distinctive, dry and astringent taste.

Gouda

This is certainly one of the most used cheeses in world cuisine, there are even Brazilian versions of it, mainly in restaurants.

Gouda has a yellowish tone and is semi-hard, with a mild flavor that also leaves its mark on any palate. Initially, in the Netherlands its production is industrialized in 99%.

However, there is a possibility of finding farms that make it by hand and pass it down through the generations, through Dutch women, who were the ones who prepared this centuries-old cheese in the culture of cultivation.

So, let’s learn a little more about the origin of Gouda right now!

How, where and when did Gouda cheese appear?

600 years ago, this cheese became popular due to Europe, being consumed in Belgium, France and passing through the Baltic Countries, it was in warehouses that its sale took place.

The city with the same name no longer has worldwide recognition, being more relevant for homonymous cheese. Walking there is an immersion into the past where the secrets of this cheese are revealed, from its preparation to its sale.

But now we understand how we can use this delicious thing in practice with a super recipe!

Learn how to make a Gouda Cheese Croquette with Brazilian Rustic Salsa

The croquette we are going to teach you now will catch anyone’s attention… Whether for its flavor, texture, and of course filling.

Ingredients for Gouda Cheese Croquettes:

• Grated gouda cheese – 200 g
• Potatoes – 1 kg
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Garlic – 1 clove
• Egg yolk – 1 unit
• Eggs – 2 units
• Flour – 1/2 cup
• Breadcrumbs – 2 cups (Panko)
• Lemon zest to taste
• Vegetable oil for shallow frying

Ingredients for Brazilian Salsa Verde:

• Parsley – 1 bunch
• Cashew nuts – 5 units
• Garlic – 1 clove (2 cloves in total)
• Green pepper – ½ unit
• Olive oil – 1 cup
• Salt – 1 pinch

HOW TO PREPARE CROQUETTE:

1. Before cutting the potatoes into cubes, peel them, place them in a pan and leave them covered in cold water, add a pinch of salt and continue cooking for 12 minutes, or until they are soft.
2. After draining and mashing, add grated Gouda cheese, olive oil, garlic, egg yolk, and lemon zest, mixing well to incorporate them.
3. Once it has cooled for a while, shape it into a croquette, covering it in flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
4. Then place in the refrigerator for about half an hour. After heating the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it gets really hot, fry your croquettes until golden brown.

HOW TO PREPARE SALSA:

1. Put the ingredients in the blender, blending slightly until it becomes rustic but still has small pieces.
2. Finally, just serve the croquettes with the parsley.

This is a chef-worthy recipe, but don't worry, it's easy to prepare. Once it's ready, enjoy it with that beer filled with good conversations!

O Kitchen Manual I brought here information from Dutch cheeses that we show and will make you travel to this fantastic place, right?