Test your knowledge in the Gouda cheese quiz!

How does it work?

This quiz consists of 10 surprising multiple-choice questions about Gouda cheese. From the origin to the maturing process and from artisanal production to fun facts you may not have known. For each question, you choose from three possible answers, one of which is correct each time. Have you answered all the questions? Then check how well you did at the bottom.

Ready? Grab a (digital) pen and paper or memorise your answers. Have fun!

1. Where does the name "Gouda cheese" originate?

A) In a production location in North Brabant
B) In a trading town in South Holland
C) In 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 traditional Gouda cheese made from? mentioned in history books?

A) From goat's milk
B) From sheep's milk
C) From cow's milk

4. What is farmer's cheese?

A) Gouda cheese from raw milk, made according to traditional methods
B) Gouda cheese with herbs
C) Gouda cheese smoked with hay

5. How many types of ripening does the traditional scale of Gouda cheese have (young to aged)?

A) 4
B) 6
C) 8

6. What is "handshake"?

A) A dance at a cheese party
B) A method of negotiation at the cheese market
C) A measuring ritual of cheese sizes

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) This remains 12 kg
B) It drops to 9 kg due to moisture loss
C) It rises to 15 kg

9. What fat percentages exist in Dutch cheeses?

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

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

A) Leerdammer
B) Roomano
C) Farmer's cheese

Have you mastered cheese?

Are you the cheese pro your friends always rely on, or did you still come across a few gaps in your knowledge? Time to find out: here come the answers with explanations!

1. B - In a trading town in South Holland
The name "Gouda cheese" comes from the town of Gouda, where farmers have traded their cheeses at the famous cheese market since the Middle Ages.

2. B - The 12th century
Gouda cheese is already mentioned in documents from the 12th century. That means more than 800 years of cheese history!

3. C - From cow's milk
Traditional Gouda cheese is made from cow's milk, which ensures its rich and creamy flavour.

4. A - Gouda cheese made from raw milk, handmade
Boerenkaas is raw milk cheese, artisanally made on the farm - full of character!

5. B - 6 maturation stages
The six official maturing stages are young, young matured, matured, extra matured, old and perennial.

6. B - A method of negotiation at the cheese market
Handshake is an age-old method of negotiation at the cheese market where seller and buyer rhythmically clap hands.

7. C - Smoked cheese
Smoked cheese is related to Gouda, but is smoked for a unique, powerful flavour.

8. B - It drops to 9 kg due to moisture loss
During ripening, a cheese loses moisture and thus weight. From 12 kg fresh, it shrinks to around 9 kg.

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

10. A - Leerdammer
Leerdammer is technically not a Gouda cheese, but a distinct type of cheese with its own flavour and texture.

How many did you get right?

8 to 10 good? Then you are a real cheese master!
5 to 7 good? You already have quite a bit of knowledge!
Less than 5 good? No worries, you've just learned a lot. And the great thing is: there is still much more to discover!

Learn even more about cheese at the Gouda Cheese Experience!

Would you like to brush up on your knowledge of Gouda cheese? Then come to the Gouda Cheese Experience in the heart of the city. Here you can experience the story of Gouda cheese interactively. Order your tickets today and immerse yourself in the world of Gouda cheese!