Gouda Holland PGI / Noord-Hollandse Gouda PDO from The Netherlands

Gouda lovers, rejoice! This episode of European Tasty Tales dives into the world of Gouda cheese, exploring both Gouda Holland PGI and Noord-Hollandse Gouda PDO. The name “gouda” harks back to the 14th century cheese market, a testament to its long history. Gouda Holland PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese produced throughout the Netherlands, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda PDO takes it a step further. This cheese boasts the stricter PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) designation, meaning its milk comes exclusively from North Holland province. Both varieties are known for their vibrant yellow color, springy texture, and iconic orange wax rind. Flavor is key here, maturing beautifully with age. Younger Gouda offers a sweet and milder taste, while aged Gouda develops a firmer texture, deeper color, and richer, more complex flavors. Listen in to discover the fascinating world of Gouda cheese, including the PGI and PDO designations. The European Union protects these labels to ensure a product's quality and link to its origin, with PDO requiring stricter adherence to tradition within a specific region.