Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cow-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda is a cow's milk Gouda from North Holland and one of three Dutch Goudas with EU protected status. It is made only in the Netherlands, from milk of Dutch cows, and ranges from mild and elastic at four weeks to hard and sharp past a year.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
- Taste: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | North Holland | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth | Washed |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese shows less salty than other gouda cheeses, cumin may be added, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.
Can You Substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cheese, go with Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
What is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese made of?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf or microbial rennet, no genetically modified organisms used rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product', while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.