【Netherlands】Eat cheese and stroopwafels in the 800-year-old cheese city of Gouda!

Many Dutch cheeses are named after localities.

Gouda is renowned for its cheese, which shares the city’s name.

The traditional cheese market, known as the Gouda Cheese Market, is one of the main attractions of the city. It takes place on the Markt square during the summer months, where farmers and traders gather to sell their cheeses using a traditional weighing method. This market is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s cheese-making heritage.

Aside from its cheese, Gouda is known for its well-preserved historic city center. The city features picturesque canals, charming cobblestone streets, and beautiful historic buildings.

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Gouda’s Troubled History

Gouda is a historic city located in the western part of the Netherlands, specifically in the province of South Holland. The city has an unfortunate history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, it was devastated by fires…
In the 16th century, epidemics raged…
It was the poorest city in the country during the Great Depression in the 17th-19th centuries.

Gouda has had a troubled history.

Gouda was the poorest city during the Great Depression, and it is said that Goudaner (Gouda citizens) was discriminated against by calling them bedelaar (beggars).

After nearly 500 years of misfortune, Gouda is now a popular tourist destination for its historic city and cheese markets.

Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is made from cow’s milk and is known for its smooth and creamy texture.

It can range in flavor from mild and buttery to sharp and tangy, depending on the age.

Gouda cheese is typically pale yellow in color and has a slightly sweet and nutty taste. It is often used in cooking, particularly in sandwiches, salads, and melted on top of various dishes.

Gouda cheese is also popular as a snack and is enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits, crackers, or wine.

How to make Gouda cheese?

Making Gouda cheese is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. However, you can see some simple demonstration at the cheese market.

How to make gouda cheese

1. Heat the milk to a specific temperature (around 86°F or 30°C)
2. Add rennet, which is an enzyme that causes the milk to coagulate and form curds.
3. Cut the curds into small pieces to release the whey trapped within.
4. Drain the whey from the curds and transfer them to a cheese mold. Apply pressure gradually to expel more whey and shape the curds into a solid cheese wheel.
5. After the curds have been pressed, remove the cheese from the mold and soak it in a brine solution or dry-salt the surface.
6. Place the cheese in a controlled environment with proper humidity and temperature for aging.

Taste of Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is typically aged for several weeks to several months. During this time, the cheese develops its characteristic flavor, texture, and aroma.

Jonge：Young cheese
・Aging 1-2 months
・Soft and creamy.

Belegen：Aged cheese
・Aging 4-8 months
・Still soft and slightly salty.

Oude：Old cheese
・Aging from 10 months or more
・Firmer in texture
・The longer the aging process, the more concentrated or sharp the flavor.
・A strong salty taste, caramelized, and nutty.

Gouda cheese online store >>

Gouda Cheese Market

The Gouda Cheese Market is a famous and longstanding tradition in the city of Gouda, Netherlands.

During its heyday in 1937, 4.5 million kilograms of cheese were auctioned in Gouda annually. However the Gouda cheese market came to an end in the late 20th century when factory production became mainstream.

The current Gouda Cheese Market is a reenactment of the historical cheese trading that has been taking place in Gouda for centuries.

During the market, the square is transformed into a bustling scene with farmers, traders, and merchants dressed in traditional costumes. They gather to present and trade their round Gouda cheeses, which are displayed on colorful wooden cheese carriers called “kaasbrikken.”

It is a vibrant and lively event that attracts visitors from all over the world. The market takes place on the Markt square in the center of Gouda during the summer months, typically from April to August.

Apart from cheese, the market also offers various other local products, such as freshly baked bread, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Visitors can sample and purchase different types of Gouda cheese, ranging from young and mild to aged and flavorful varieties.

Visit the cheese market! 5 cheese towns in Netherlands

The Netherlands is the country of cheese. Some towns that used to have markets now hold traditional cheese markets as tourist events. There, you can learn about cheese and see traditional market and costumes.

netherlandsblog.plusdutch.com

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Gouda’s Stroopwafel

Gouda is not only the home of cheese, but also the birthplace of the famous Dutch cookie, the Stroopwafel.

Traditionally, stroopwafels were made in the Netherlands in the late 18th century and early 19th century. They were initially created as a way to use up leftover cookie crumbs and breadcrumbs, and the syrup filling helped bind the two halves together. Over time, stroopwafels became increasingly popular and became a beloved Dutch delicacy.

 

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Stroopwafel is a traditional Dutch treat that consists of two thin waffle cookies sandwiched together with a caramel-like syrup filling. The name “stroopwafel” translates to “syrup waffle” in English. It is a popular sweet snack in the Netherlands and has gained recognition and popularity worldwide.

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Sightseeing in Gouda city

Gouda is a historic city located in the western part of the Netherlands, specifically in the province of South Holland. The city has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Oude Stadhuis （Old city hall）

Stadhuis, also known as the Gouda City Hall, is a historic and iconic building located in the city center of Gouda, Netherlands.

It is considered one of the most impressive Gothic-style city halls in the country and is a significant architectural and historical landmark.

Goudse Waag （Weigh House）

Goudse Waag, also known as the Gouda Weigh House, is a historic building located in Gouda, Netherlands. It is situated near the Markt square, close to the Stadhuis (City Hall).

The Goudse Waag played a significant role in the city’s cheese trade and is now a museum that showcases Gouda’s cheese-making heritage.

Sint Janskerk （Saint John’s Church）

Sint-Janskerk, also known as the Church of Saint John, is a renowned medieval church located in Gouda, Netherlands. It is one of the longest and tallest churches in the country and is famous for its stunning stained glass windows.

Construction of the Sint-Janskerk began in the 14th century and continued over several centuries, with the final additions completed in the 16th century. The church is built in the Brabantine Gothic style, characterized by its pointed arches, ornate decorations, and impressive height.

The most notable feature of the Sint-Janskerk is its collection of stained glass windows, which are among the largest and most impressive in Europe. The church houses an extraordinary total of 72 stained glass windows, consisting of approximately 2,000 individual glass panels. These windows depict various biblical scenes, stories, and religious themes.