When choosing the best Gouda cheese, it’s important to remember that people have different preferences among the varieties. Trying several types of this cheese should help you find the ones you’ll enjoy most. Different ages of this cheese tend to suit specific foods and beverages more than others, so picking the best one will also depend on what you’ll be serving with it. In general though, the more aged Gouda is, the better it’s considered to be.
You’ll be more likely to pay the most for the longest aged cheese. The aging process creates a richer flavor, but the product must be stored longer by cheese companies. The amount of time that the best Gouda should be aged is debatable. Some people assert that the cheese should be aged for a year and a half minimum, while others deem that six months is enough time to produce quality Gouda.
Longer aged Gouda cheese is best for cooking, such as to add to rice and top casseroles or cooked vegetables, because the texture the aging process creates also provides more taste as well as a smoothness in the mouth. Shorter aged Goudas are usually considered an excellent choice to serve alongside beer. Goudas made with less aging time are also suitable for cracker snacks or in lunch sandwiches. For grainy or heavy breads, however, aged Gouda is best, as it will lend a richer flavor to better complement heartier fare. If you’ll be serving cheese and wine, a longer aged type is also the best choice.
You may have to try an assortment of Goudas before finding your favorites. You may want to look for the cheese in a delicatessen or other shop that will let you taste small samples of different varieties. Not all manufacturers of Goudas use a wax wrap, although red wax-wrapped Gouda cheese is classic. Goudas range from pale gold to rich brownish-yellow; some types are even slightly pink or peach in tone. Many Goudas are sold in rounds, or wheels, as well as in smaller packages.
Gouda cheese may be made from cow’s, sheep’s or goat’s milk. Cow’s milk Goudas are popular and typically less expensive than the other types. If you purchase Goudas from smaller manufacturers, you’re likely to pay more for any variety. For cow’s milk varieties, look for a light, even color. Once you try a few different Goudas, you’re likely to discover your favorites for snacks, lunches, cooking and entertaining.