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Aged Gouda Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Aged Gouda Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Aged Gouda Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Aged Gouda Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
- "How does Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Aged Gouda Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"
Aged Gouda Cheese Overview
Aged Gouda is a hard cheese from the Netherlands, known for its rich aroma and firm texture. It can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and may be pasteurized or unpasteurized. The cheese has a yellow color and is typically covered with a waxed rind. As it ages, Gouda develops a deeper, caramel-like flavor with hints of nuttiness and a slight crunch from protein crystals. This makes it a popular choice for snacking or serving on cheese platters. Its rich taste pairs well with robust red wines or dark beers. Often referred to as Oud Gouda, this cheese is a staple in both local and international markets.
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Aged Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Cheddar Cheese originated from England.
Milk Type and Treatment
Aged Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.
Composition and Texture
Aged Gouda's texture can be described as "hard". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of none. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".
Taste and Aroma
Aged Gouda's aroma can be described as "rich". Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Aged Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Aged Gouda Cheese's rind is described as waxed . Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Aged Gouda is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Aged Gouda | Cheddar | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Green Apple, IPA, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Salami, Sangiovese, Scotch, Sweet Potato, Viognier | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | Amaro, Cava, Dried Figs, Ginger, Mangoes, Pistachios, Port, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries, Tequila | Kombucha, Tomatoes |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Aged Gouda and Cheddar pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Aged Gouda Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | England |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | At least 50% fat in dry matter |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | Up to 39% |
| Rind | Waxed | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Texture | Hard | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Taste | Not Specified | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
| Aroma | Rich | Varies |
| Colors | Yellow | Natural or dyed orange |
| Forms | Not Specified | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks |
| Age | Not Specified | A few months to several years |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Aged Gouda. But if you enjoy a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) consistency, Cheddar might be the better pick.
