Gouda Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.
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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Strathdon Blue is a full-fat blue cheese made in Tain, Scotland, by Highland Fine Cheeses. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, tastes tangy, and won a gold medal at the 2007 British Cheese Awards.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
- Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Strathdon Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged), Strathdon Blue Cheese (semi-soft, blue-veined)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Strathdon Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Scotland |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | Tain, Scotland |
| 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 | Semi-soft, blue-veined |
| Rind | Durable | — |
| Aging | 4 weeks to 21 months | — |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Creamy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character. On the nose, Gouda Cheese offers sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, contrasted with Strathdon Blue Cheese's rich. More specifically, Gouda Cheese shows young: mellow, fruity, sweet. aged: nutty, herbaceous, notes of chocolate, brazil nut, butterscotch., while Strathdon Blue Cheese leans toward tangy.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Gouda Cheese and Strathdon Blue 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 semi-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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 semi-soft, blue-veined profile, Strathdon Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Strathdon Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is creamy, salty. Aromas also diverge. Gouda Cheese leans sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, and Strathdon Blue Cheese is closer to rich.
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 Strathdon Blue Cheese made of?
Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It originates in Scotland.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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 Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.