Semi-hard
Gouda
Gouda is a semi-hard Dutch cheese made with a washed curd, which removes some lactose and gives its characteristic mellow, sweet character. It is pressed, brined and ripened.
At a glance
- Origin
- Netherlands
- Milk
- Cow's milk
- Texture
- Smooth and supple when young; firmer and crystalline with age
- Flavor
- Mellow and sweet young; nutty and caramel-like when aged
- Family
- Semi-hard
- Coagulation
- Rennet-set, commonly with chymosin coagulants
How it's made
- 01Set the milk with coagulant.
- 02Cut and stir the curd.
- 03Remove part of the whey and wash the curd with water.
- 04Press under whey, then in moulds.
- 05Brine, then ripen for the intended period.
Common challenges
- Curd washing must be consistent to control final acidity.
- Coagulant dosage discipline matters because the cheese is aged.
- Ripening conditions strongly shape the finished cheese.
Where to Buy
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