How cheese all over the world, and the Netherlands, are made.

How Cheese is Made (this video runs for 2 hours)

Cheese is a dairy product made from milk that has been curdled and pressed. The basic steps in cheesemaking are:

1. Pasteurization: The milk is heated to kill harmful bacteria.
2. Adding culture: A starter culture is added to the milk to help it ferment. This culture contains bacteria that will convert the milk sugar (lactose) into lactic acid.
3. Adding rennet: Rennet is an enzyme that is added to the milk to curdle it. Rennet causes the milk proteins to coagulate, or clump together.
4. Cutting the curd: The curd is cut into smaller pieces to release the whey. The whey is the liquid part of the milk that contains the lactose and other soluble proteins.
5. Cooking the curd: The curd is cooked to remove more whey and to help develop the flavor of the cheese.
6. Salting the curd: Salt is added to the curd to help preserve it and to give it flavor.
7. Pressing the curd: The curd is pressed to remove any remaining whey and to give the cheese its shape.
8. Aging the cheese: The cheese is aged for a period of time, during which the flavor develops. The aging process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years.

Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that is made in the Netherlands. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, and it is known for its mild flavor and its yellow color. Gouda is made from cow’s milk, and it is typically aged for several months.

Italian Cheese

Italy is home to a wide variety of cheeses, including some of the most famous cheeses in the world. Some of the most popular Italian cheeses include:

• Parmigiano-Reggiano: This hard cheese is made from cow’s milk, and it is known for its sharp flavor and its long aging process. Parmigiano-Reggiano is often grated and used as a topping for pasta dishes.
• Mozzarella: This soft cheese is made from buffalo milk, and it is known for its milky flavor and its stringy texture. Mozzarella is often used in Italian dishes like pizza and caprese salad.
• Pecorino Romano: This hard cheese is made from sheep’s milk, and it is known for its salty flavor and its sharp bite. Pecorino Romano is often grated and used as a topping for pasta dishes.
• Gorgonzola: This blue cheese is made from cow’s milk, and it is known for its strong flavor and its blue veins. Gorgonzola is often eaten as a dessert cheese or used in savory dishes.

Other Popular Cheeses from the Netherlands and Around the World

In addition to Gouda and Italian cheeses, there are many other popular cheeses from around the world. Some of the most popular cheeses include:

• Cheddar: This hard cheese is made from cow’s milk, and it is known for its sharp flavor and its yellow color. Cheddar is often used in English dishes like cheddar cheese soup and cheddar cheese biscuits.
• Blue cheese: This cheese is made from cow’s milk, and it is known for its strong flavor and its blue veins. Blue cheese is often eaten as a dessert cheese or used in savory dishes.
• Brie: This soft cheese is made from cow’s milk, and it is known for its creamy texture and its mild flavor. Brie is often served with fruit or nuts as an appetizer or dessert.
• Feta: This salty cheese is made from sheep’s milk, and it is known for its crumbly texture and its sharp flavor. Feta is often used in Greek dishes like moussaka and tzatzik.

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that is enjoyed all over the world. There are many different types of cheese, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Cheese can be eaten on its own, used in cooking, or grated over other foods. No matter how you enjoy it, cheese is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.