Leerdammer

Leerdammer is a type of cheese that originated in the town of Leerdam, Netherlands. It is a semi-hard cheese, known for its characteristic holes or "eyes" and its mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. Leerdammer is often compared to both Emmental and Gouda, but it has a unique taste and texture that sets it apart.

History

Leerdammer was first produced in the late 20th century by a Dutch company called Baars. The company aimed to create a new type of cheese that combined the best qualities of various Dutch and Swiss cheeses. The result was Leerdammer, which quickly gained popularity both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Production

Leerdammer is made from cow's milk. The milk is pasteurized and then combined with rennet and starter culture to begin the cheese-making process. The curd is cut, heated, and stirred before being placed in molds. The cheese is then pressed to remove whey and shape the cheese. After pressing, the cheese is brined to add flavor and help form the rind. The cheese is then aged for a period of time, during which it develops its characteristic holes.

Characteristics

Leerdammer is a pale yellow cheese with large holes. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. The cheese is often used in sandwiches, salads, and cooking because of its versatile flavor and texture.

See also

• List of Dutch cheeses
• List of cheeses