We love to try new foods. Some are great. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think.
Since 1985 Old Amsterdam Cheese has been producing premium, aged gouda cheese. Aged gouda is a washed-curd cheese. Washed-curd cheeses are produced by removing whey and adding water to wash the curds. Gouda is one of the original wash-curd cheeses and the process results in an almost completely lactose free cheese. As gouda ages, the level of lactose declines.
Gouda cheese has a minimum butterfat content of 48% and it is aged to a semi-hard consistency. The body of true gouda cheese may contain tiny holes, called eyes and the surface may be dotted with crunchy white protein (or ripening) crystals which are edible and add a texture to the traditional smooth gouda.
Old Amsterdam, based in Holland, has recently added two new types of gouda cheese to their original line. All Old Amsterdam gouda cheese has a smooth texture making it easy to cut and slice. A 1-ounce serving averages 120 calories.
The two latest flavors of gouda are:
Old Amsterdam Reserve Gouda which has been aged for 18 months. This sample had the ripening crystals which added a tiny crunch to the taste.
Old Amsterdam Mild Gouda is aged 4 months and has a creamier texture and melts very well.
The two traditional flavors of gouda are:
Old Amsterdam Classic Gouda which is aged 8 months.
Old Amsterdam Goat made from goat’s milk with a creamy texture. It was our favorite.
The brand recommends taking gouda out of refrigerator an hour before serving to bring out its truest taste.
Old Amsterdam is gaining distribution in the US, currently available in major supermarkets, as well as through e-commerce. If you are ever in Amsterdam, the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store offers a cheese tasting experience.
