Description
The Gouda Holland PGI is a fat cheese with semi-hard dough and natural seasoning produced from cow's milk with the possible addition of cumin.
Production Area
The production area of Gouda Holland PGI covers the entire area of the Netherlands.
Production Method
The milk used to produce Gouda Holland PGI is cooled up to maximum 6°C and then is stored in a refrigerated tank. Transported to the diary within 72 hours, it can be either immediately processed or it undergoes heating and is stored cooled until processing, at the end of which it will become creamy. The milk is pasteurised to obtain the curd by means of coagulation and abomasums rennet is used. After having obtained the curd, it is separated from whey, processed, washed and at last pressed in drums and shaped. The mould achieved is put in salt brine and then seasoned for a period of minimum 28 days to maximum a year, during which a dry rind covers the cheese.
Appearance and Flavour
Gouda Holland PGI is cylindrical in shape or as bread or a parallelepiped with flattened top and lower sides and a smooth and compact rind. The weight spans from 2.5 to 20 kg. The dough colour spans from ivory to yellow with irregularly scattered holes. It is easy to slice; indeed, four weeks after the beginning of processing, the dough is soft and malleable. Gouda Holland PGI has an aromatic and palatable flavour which changes depending on seasoning, from delicate to spicy.
History
Gouda Holland is an example of the great Dutch diary culture which has developed since the Middle Ages and achieved its top in the 17th century, also called the "Golden Century". Its importance was confirmed at the beginning of the 20th century with important results which were achieved at a national level. In fact, new laws and the Gouda Holland designation were established through the Landbouwkwaliteitsbeschikking kaasproducten, meaning the decision on the agricultural quality of diary products. The product is still internationally famous and an element that enhances the farm milk.
Gastronomy
Gouda Holland PGI has to be stored in a cool and dry place, in the least cold shelf of refrigerator wrapped in food paper so to avoid that its quality and aroma could be affected by odours. Very good as both a table cheese and an ingredient, if seasoned can be used to enrich sauces and local dishes.
Marketing
The product is sold as Gouda Holland PGI. It is sold whole or in pieces with different sizes.
Distinctive Features
The peculiarities of Gouda Holland PGI are linked to the geographic area of production which is mainly under sea level and is characterised by a maritime climate and clayey and sandy pasture grounds which contribute to the production of high quality milk.
