Gouda Cheese vs Manchego Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gouda Cheese and Manchego Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gouda Cheese and Manchego Cheese?"
- "Is Gouda Cheese and Manchego Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gouda Cheese compare to Manchego Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gouda Cheese compare to Manchego Cheese?"
- "Is Gouda Cheese or Manchego Cheese better?"
Gouda Cheese Overview
Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.
Manchego Cheese Overview
Manchego is a PDO-protected cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain, exclusively from the milk of Manchega sheep. It has a firm and compact consistency and a buttery texture, with a distinctive flavor that is well-developed and tangy, often with a slight piquancy in older cheeses. Manchego is aged for a minimum of two months and up to two years, developing a deeper flavor and harder texture with time.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Gouda is ranked #2 out of 375 types.
Manchego is ranked #37 out of 375 types.
Country of Origin
Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Manchego Cheese originated from Spain.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Gouda is not a protected cheese. Manchego Cheese has a PDO (1984).
Milk Type and Treatment
Gouda Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Manchego Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Gouda Cheese has a moisture content of reduced by scalding. Gouda's texture can be described as "varies". Manchego's texture can be described as "compact".
Flavor and Aroma
Gouda Cheese has a sweet to nutty flavor. Manchego Cheese has a slightly acidic flavor.
Appearance and Aging
Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in large wheels and is aged varies . Manchego Cheese has a color of white to yellowish ivory , comes in cylindrical with flat faces and has an aging period of fresco (2 weeks), semi-curado (3 weeks to 4 months), curado (3-6 months), viejo or anejo (1 year) .
Rind and Rennet Type
Gouda Cheese's rind is described as durable . Manchego Cheese's rind is described as pleita and flor imprints , with animal rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Gouda Cheese | Manchego Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Netherlands | Spain |
Specific Origin | Southern Holland | La Mancha region |
Certification | None | PDO (1984) |
Milk Type | Cow’s milk | Manchega ewe's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw or pasteurized |
Moisture Content | Reduced by scalding | |
Rind | Durable | Pleita and flor imprints |
Texture | Varies | Compact |
Flavor | Sweet to nutty | Slightly acidic |
Colors | Yellow | White to yellowish ivory |
Forms | Large wheels | Cylindrical with flat faces |
Age | Varies | Fresco (2 weeks), Semi-curado (3 weeks to 4 months), Curado (3-6 months), Viejo or Anejo (1 year) |
Rennet Type | Animal rennet |