List of Dutch cheeses

The Netherlands is renowned for its rich tradition of cheese-making and its variety of unique cheeses. Dutch cheeses are a vital part of the country's cultural heritage and cuisine. This article provides an overview of some of the most famous and traditional Dutch cheeses.

Gouda

Gouda is one of the most famous Dutch cheeses, named after the city of Gouda. It is a semi-hard cheese celebrated for its rich, unique flavor and smooth texture. It can range from mild to very mature, depending on the aging process.

Edam

Edam is a semi-hard cheese that originates from the town of Edam in North Holland. It is known for its spherical shape with a pale yellow interior and a red or yellow wax coating. Edam ages gracefully, becoming firmer and more flavorful.

Leyden

Leyden, also known as Leidse kaas, is a semi-hard, cumin-seeded cheese from the Leiden area. It has a distinctive flavor due to the addition of cumin seeds and sometimes cloves and caraway seeds.

Maasdam

Maasdam is a Dutch cheese that is characterized by its large holes and sweet, nutty flavor. It was developed to imitate Swiss Emmental and has become popular worldwide.

Boerenkaas

Boerenkaas is a traditional Dutch farmhouse cheese. It is made from raw cow's milk, which gives it a rich and complex flavor. Each cheese reflects the unique characteristics of the milk produced by the cows on that specific farm.

Limburger

Limburger is a cheese that originated in the historical Duchy of Limburg, which is now divided among three countries: Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. It is known for its strong smell and soft, spreadable texture.

Frisian Clove Cheese

Frisian Clove Cheese, also known as Friese Nagelkaas, is a unique cheese made with cloves and cumin, giving it a very distinctive spicy flavor. It hails from the Friesland province.

Kanterkaas

Kanterkaas, also known as Kantern, is a Frisian cheese that can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. It comes in varieties that include clove, cumin, and plain, with a firm texture and a strong flavor.

Polderkaas

Polderkaas is a term used for cheese produced in the polder areas of the Netherlands. These cheeses can vary in flavor and texture, but they often have a creamy, rich taste due to the high-quality grass the cows feed on.

Roomano

Roomano is a hard, aged cheese with a strong flavor, often compared to Parmesan. It has a granular texture and is made from cow's milk, aged for several years.

Beemster

Beemster is a hard Dutch cheese named after the Beemster Polder. It is made from cow's milk and is well known for its rich, creamy flavor and smooth texture.

This list represents just a selection of the diverse and flavorful cheeses produced in the Netherlands. Each cheese offers a unique taste experience, reflecting the rich cheese-making tradition of the country.