Dutch cheese, always delicious
Cheese is an integral part of Dutch cuisine and culture. The Netherlands has been producing cheese for centuries, and it is now one of the most famous exports from the country. Dutch cheese is renowned for its high quality and delicious taste. In this blog, we will explore the history, types, and consumption of Dutch cheese.
History of Dutch cheese
The history of Dutch cheese dates back to the Roman era, but it was not until the Middle Ages that it became a significant part of the Dutch economy. Cheese production was mainly concentrated in the southern provinces of Holland and Zeeland. During the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), the Netherlands became a major exporter of cheese to other European countries. Today, the Netherlands is the largest cheese exporter in the world.
Types of Dutch cheese
Dutch cheese comes in a variety of types, each with its unique taste and texture. The most famous Dutch cheese is Gouda, which is made from cow’s milk and is named after the city of Gouda. Gouda cheese is usually aged for a few weeks to a few years, and the longer it is aged, the sharper and more flavorful it becomes. Another popular Dutch cheese is Edam, which is also made from Dutch cow’s milk. Edam cheese is known for its distinctive red rind and is usually aged for a few months. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a semi-hard texture. Leerdammer is another popular Dutch cheese, which has a sweet and nutty flavor. It is a semi-hard cheese that is usually aged for a few months. Maasdam is another type of Dutch cheese, which has a sweet and mild flavor and a distinctive holey texture.
How the Dutch eat cheese
Dutch people love their cheese, and it is a staple food in their diet. They eat cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dutch cheese is often served with bread or crackers and is usually accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. In the Netherlands, cheese is also eaten as a snack. One popular snack is the Dutch cheese sandwich, which is a slice of bread topped with cheese and often accompanied by butter, lettuce, and tomato. Another popular snack is Dutch cheese cubes, which are small cubes of cheese that are often served as a party snack.
