Gouda Cheese vs Laruns Cheese

Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

What Is Gouda Cheese?

Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.

What Is Laruns Cheese?

Laruns is a French cheese originating from the region of Laruns. Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk, it is known for its soft, artisan texture. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of acidic, mild, nutty, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings. It has a mild aroma that complements its straw-colored appearance. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. Laruns is a prime example of traditional sheep's milk cheese, offering a gentle yet flavorful tasting experience.

What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Laruns Cheese?

• Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Laruns Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's milk), Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Laruns Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged), Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Laruns Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Laruns Cheese?

Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet character. On the nose, Gouda Cheese offers sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, contrasted with Laruns Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Laruns Cheese?

Gouda Cheese can stand in for Laruns Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Laruns Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cheese, go with Gouda Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Laruns Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Laruns Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gouda Cheese the same as Laruns Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Laruns Cheese comes from France. Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk; Laruns Cheese uses sheep.

Is Gouda Cheese similar to Laruns Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Laruns Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Gouda Cheese taste like Laruns Cheese?

Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Laruns Cheese is acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Gouda Cheese leans sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, and Laruns Cheese is closer to mild.

What is Gouda Cheese made of?

Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months. It originates in Netherlands.

What is Laruns Cheese made of?

Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Laruns Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan.