Test your knowledge in the Gouda Cheese Quiz

Gouda cheese is creamy, rich in flavour and loved around the world. But how much do you actually know about this Dutch favourite? From centuries-old traditions to fun facts, Gouda cheese is full of stories. This interactive quiz takes you into the world of cheese and lets you discover in a playful way how well you really know it. Are you joining in?

How does it work?

This quiz has 10 surprising multiple choice questions about Gouda cheese. From its origins to the ripening process, from artisanal production to fun facts you may not know. Each question offers three answers — only one is correct. Once you’ve finished, you can check your results at the bottom.

Ready? Grab a (digital) pen and paper, or just remember your answers. Good luck and enjoy!

1. Where does the name “Gouda cheese” come from?

A) A production town in North Brabant
B) A trading city in South Holland
C) A family surname

2. Since which century has Gouda cheese been mentioned in history books?

A) The 9th century
B) The 12th century
C) The 15th century

3. What milk is used for traditional Gouda cheese?

A) Goat’s milk
B) Sheep’s milk
C) Cow’s milk

4. What is “boerenkaas” (farmhouse cheese)?

A) Gouda made from raw milk, crafted by hand
B) Gouda with herbs
C) Gouda smoked with hay

5. How many ripening stages does traditional Gouda cheese have (from young to very old)?

A) 4
B) 6
C) 8

6. What is “handjeklap”?

A) A dance at cheese festivals
B) A form of negotiation at the cheese market
C) A measuring ritual for cheese size

7. Which cheese is related to Gouda, but smoked?

A) Edam
B) Maaslander
C) Smoked cheese

8. What happens to 12 kg of fresh cheese during ripening?

A) It stays 12 kg
B) It drops to 9 kg due to moisture loss
C) It increases to 15 kg

9. What fat percentages are found in Dutch cheeses?

A) Only 48+
B) 30+, 48+ and 50+
C) 20+ and 70+

10. Which of these is not a typical Gouda-style cheese?

A) Leerdammer
B) Roomano
C) Boerenkaas

How cheesy are you?

Are you the cheese expert your friends rely on, or did you find a few holes in your knowledge? Time to find out. Here are the answers with explanations.

1. B – A trading city in South Holland
The name “Gouda cheese” comes from the city of Gouda, where farmers have traded their cheeses at the famous cheese market since the Middle Ages.

2. B – The 12th century
Gouda cheese appears in documents as early as the 12th century. That means over 800 years of cheese history.

3. C – Cow’s milk
Traditional Gouda is made from cow’s milk, which gives it its rich and creamy taste.

4. A – Gouda made from raw milk, crafted by hand
Boerenkaas is raw milk cheese made using traditional methods on the farm. Full of character.

5. B – 6 ripening stages
The six official stages are young, young matured, matured, extra matured, old and very old.

6. B – A form of negotiation at the cheese market
Handjeklap is an old method of bargaining where the buyer and seller clap hands to agree on a deal.

7. C – Smoked cheese
Smoked cheese is related to Gouda but gets its flavour from being smoked.

8. B – It drops to 9 kg due to moisture loss
As cheese matures, it loses moisture and weight. A 12 kg cheese shrinks to about 9 kg.

9. B – 30+, 48+ and 50+
In the Netherlands, these are the common fat percentages. The higher the number, the creamier the cheese.

10. A – Leerdammer
Leerdammer is technically not a Gouda cheese, but its own variety with a unique taste and texture.

How did you score?

8 to 10 correct: You’re a true cheese connoisseur
5 to 7 correct: You’ve got a solid slice of knowledge
Less than 5 correct: No problem: you’ve already learned a lot. And there’s still more to discover

Learn even more about cheese at the Gouda Cheese Experience

Want to sharpen your cheese skills even more? Come to the Gouda Cheese Experience in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll experience the story of Gouda cheese in a fun and interactive way. Discover how milk becomes cheese, see how handjeklap really works and taste several kinds of Gouda. Whether you’re visiting with family, your partner or friends, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Order your tickets today and dive into the world of Gouda cheese.