Gouda Cheese

A variety of cheese made from cow's milk that ranges in flavor from mild to sharp depending upon the age of the cheese. When young, the texture of the cheese is soft and is formed into wheel shapes of up to 25 pounds. Gouda that is to be aged is covered in a yellow wax coating. As it ages the texture hardens and becomes dark ivory or caramel colored, at which point the flavor intensifies, tasting much like cheddar. Baby Gouda, which is very mild in flavor, is usually sold in rounds weighing about a pound and covered in a red wax coating. Occasionally, Gouda is flavored with cumin or various herbs. Gouda is often served with dark-grained breads and full bodied red wines.