Cheese Database

Gouda vs Nazareth

Gouda, field guide plate
Gouda, photographed

Gouda

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Waxed or sealed
Country
Netherlands
Place
Gouda

Gouda is a pressed cow's-milk cheese named for the Dutch city. Young Gouda is mild, supple, and often sealed in wax. Aged Gouda is hard, deep, and full of crystals.

Nazareth

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Country
Belgium
Place
Nazareth, Belgium

Nazareth is a semi-hard cheese from Nazareth, Belgium, made from pasteurized cow's milk. A dark brown coat covers a pale paste with large holes, and that coat is not meant to be eaten. The flavor is mild, nutty, and a little sweet, without a pungent rind smell. Wheels, blocks, bars, and slices are sold for the table. Belgians eat it on bread, grate it over hot food, and melt it in simple dishes.