Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cow-milk cheese, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Texture: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Holland | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months | — |
| Taste | Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
In most recipes, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Scamorza 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.