Gouda Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow 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 Saint Felicien Cheese?
Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Gouda Cheese (4 weeks to 21 months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | France |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Durable | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | 4 weeks to 21 months | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Gouda Cheese offers sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Gouda Cheese shows young: mellow, fruity, sweet. aged: nutty, herbaceous, notes of chocolate, brazil nut, butterscotch., while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Gouda Cheese at 4 weeks to 21 months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Gouda Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. 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 Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Saint Felicien 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, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Gouda Cheese is typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Gouda Cheese leans sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.
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 Saint Felicien Cheese made of?
Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Saint Felicien 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 Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.