If there is one real cheese country in the world, it's the Netherlands.In fact, the Dutch are known as `cheese-head', who'd rather sell their cheese than eat it themselves. As the world's largest exporter of cheese,the abusive name of `cheese-head' could be considered as an honorary nickname.

Nowadays Holland goes onto the offensive with the cheese itself. In 1991 the Netherlands produced over 600 million kilos of cheese, of which 450 million kilos was exported primarily to other Western European countries but Dutch cheese also finds an eager market in America and Japan.

You can order from our small but fine selection of the following cheese:

• Mild Gouda
• Medium Gouda
• Aged Gouda
• Extra Aged Gouda
• Spiced Gouda
• Edam Balls

Gouda

Through the ages farmers have brought their cheeses to Gouda, a Dutch countrytown, just southeast of the Hague. Each week during the summer, a historical cheese market is held in front of the old Weight-house dating from 1668. Gouda cheese derives its name from this historical town. About 60% of the entire Dutch cheese production is devoted to Gouda and its varieties. Traditionally, Gouda cheese is wheel-shaped, but is also produced in squares and blocks. Gouda is a cheese with a fat content in the dry matter of 48%. It has a mild and creamy flavour but as the cheese matures, its character changes and acquires a more robust flavour and firmer texture. The weight of a wheel or block varies between 4 kg and 20 kg. A `Baby Gouda Cheese' or `lunch cheese' is also available. In addition to young Gouda a low-salt Gouda is also produced. Steadily gaining in popularity are the varieties: Gouda with herbs and Gouda with Cumin seed. Farmhouse Gouda is produced in both young and mature versions.

Edam

The little town of Edam, in the Dutch province of North Holland, used to be the centre of Dutch cheese exports. Nowadays Edam cheese is produced all over The Netherlands. Its round shape and red colour are very distinctive. Edam's red appearance is obtained by dipping or spraying with wax which at the same time gives the cheese a protective coating.

The usual weight of Edam is approximately 2 kg. The cheese has a fat content of 40% in the dry matter, as it is made from skimmed milk. Edam is also available in 1 kg size known as a `Baby Edam'. This cheese is also produced with cumin seeds giving it a spicy and aromatic flavour, and has an orange wax coating. Green waxed Edam denotes garden herbs. They are both available in 2 kg and 1 kg balls.

The taste of Edam cheese differs according to its age, although the Edam cheese most widely available is sold when approximately 6 weeks old and is well-known and appreciated for its mild flavour and smooth texture. However, when Edam `ages' or matures its flavour becomes more robust and is easy to distinguish from the younger Gouda as it is black-waxed.

Storage, temperature......

Keep Dutch cheese in the refrigerator, however, if consumed quickly, a kitchen cupboard offers the most appropriate storage. If you keep cheese in the fridge, it should be removed about half an hour before serving. Cheese which is too cold loses much of its aroma and flavour.
Serve at room temperature.