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WELCOME TO THE GOUDA AND FRIENDS CURDBOX!
When it comes to cheese, few countries can rival the Netherlands in both history and variety. Dutch cheeses are renowned world- wide for their exceptional quality, distinctive flavors, and the long history and rich traditions that have shaped their production over centuries. From the creamy and versatile Gouda to the mild and nutty Edam, Dutch cheeses offer a diverse and delicious adventure that can cater to every palate. So come along with us on a journey through the heart of the Netherlands, where cheese is more than just food— but also a way of life, as we explore this month’s box...
Dutch Edam by Daily Dairy
Dutch Edam by Daily Dairy is more than just a cheese—it's a slice of Dutch heritage wrapped in tradition and folklore. This semi-hard, pale yellow cheese, with its iconic red paraffin shell, has been captivating taste buds and fueling legends for centuries. Named after the charming town of Edam, it became one of the world’s most sought-after cheeses from the 1300s to the 1700s— not just for its rich, savory flavor but for its extraordinary resilience. Rather than spoiling quickly like most cheeses, Edam gracefully hardens with age, making it a staple for explorers and sailors navigating uncharted waters. Daily Dairy, with roots dating back to 1900, carries on the legacy of this time-honored cheese, which, in the Netherlands is second only to Gouda in popularity. Beyond its culinary fame, Edam's perfectly round shape is steeped in myth, and is said to have served as cannonballs in ancient battles—a testament to its enduring role in both Dutch culture and history.
The Dutch Edam by Daily Dairy with the Datil Peach Marmalade by Emily G's Jams
8 Month Gouda by Artikaas
Artikaas Gouda is a masterful expression of Dutch cheese-making heritage, meticulously crafted and aged for 8 months to achieve its exceptional quality. Hand-selected by the master cheesemaker, this Gouda represents the culmination of over 125 years of tradition in the town of Artikaas, where the family-run company has been perfecting their craft for six generations. Made using only the finest milk from local family farms, the cheese retains the rich, smooth caramel flavors that are a hallmark of authentic Dutch Gouda. It has a firm texture, a deep ochre interior, and intriguing notes of toasted walnuts and a luxurious brown-butter finish. This Gouda is not just a cheese, but a prime example of the time-honored methods that Artikaas continues to uphold, to the delight of cheese lovers in Holland and around the world.
The 8 Month Gouda by Artikaas with the Dutch Caramel Cookie Sticks from Van den Berg
Kanaal by Kaaslands
Kanaal, crafted by Kaaslands of Holland, is a standout Proosdij-style cheese that offers a captivating blend of flavors and textures, making it a true highlight of Dutch cheesemaking. While it shares similarities with Gouda, Kanaal's unique process and lower butterfat content set it apart, creating a cheese that bridges the rich creaminess of Gouda with the savory depth of Parmesan. As it ages, Kanaal develops a satisfying crunch from tyrosine crystals, enhancing its already complex character. Its deep golden hue and rich, sweet flavors of butterscotch and toasted caramel are perfectly balanced by savory, salty notes reminiscent of bouillon. Fruity undertones add brightness to this exceptional cheese, making Kanaal not just a cheese, but a sensory experience, capturing the essence of Dutch cheesemaking tradition while offering something wholly unique and unforgettable.
Kanaal by Kaaslands along with the Cherries Berries & Nuts by Ferris Nut Co.
And here are the pairing items that go along with these amazing cheeses…
Cherries Berries and Nuts by Ferris Nut Co.
Ferris Nut Co., a cherished family-owned institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been delighting taste buds with its premium coffee, nuts, and trail mixes since 1924. Founded by Peter Joshua Ferris, a pioneering roaster from Buffalo, New York, and continued by his son Jay Floyd in West Michigan, Ferris started as a purveyor of teas and spices but soon made its mark with exceptional coffee. Over the decades, the company expanded its offerings to include a delectable range of roasted nuts and trail mixes, including their signature blend of cherries, berries, and nuts— delivering a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and savory flavors. Ferris Nut Co. remains committed to quality by fostering strong relationships with its growing partners and ensuring that every product, from farm to table, meets the highest standards of freshness and flavor.
Dutch Caramel Cookie Sticks by Van Den Berg
Dutch caramel cookie sticks by Van Den Berg are a great example of the time-honored traditions of Dutch baking. Crafted using the brand’s distinctive yeasted dough, these cookies combine the rich flavors of caramel with a perfectly balanced thin crust of sugar, resulting in a delightful treat that stands out in both taste and texture. These caramel sticks are not only renowned for their thin, sugar-kissed crust and buttery richness but also for their satisfying crunch—thanks to their superior yeasted dough—an enduring legacy of the bakery’s commitment to quality. Established in 1922, and now led by the fourth generation of the family, the company has earned its reputation as the leading supplier of artisanal baked goods to Dutch supermarkets. The use of live yeast, rather than baking powder, in their recipes ensures a unique taste and satisfying bite that continues to captivate cookie enthusiasts across generations.
Datil Peach Marmalade by Emily G's
Emily G's Detail Peach Marmalade is a Southern gem, crafted in the heart of Georgia with a blend of sun-ripened peaches and fiery Datil peppers, known for their Habanero-like heat. This gourmet spread offers a delicate balance of sweetness and spice, making it an extraordinary departure from ordinary marmalades. Born from humble beginnings at local farmers markets, Emily G's has flourished under the stewardship of Jennifer Burns, a passionate mother of four who transformed the business into an award-winning specialty food brand. Celebrated by culinary authorities like Bon Appétit and the Wall Street Journal, this marmalade is a tribute to the sunny orchards of the American South and the Burns family's love for food. Its handcrafted nature and unique flavor profile make it a versatile, not-too-sweet, not-too-spicy delicacy that captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every jar.
And with that- we wrap up this month’s box.
So, we hope you enjoyed your trip through the world of Dutch cheeses, and the distinctive characteristics that make them beloved by food lovers everywhere.
We’ll see you next month.
Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing-partners: @artikaasgouda, @ferriscoffeeandnut, and @emilygsjams. We love to see our cheese lovers enjoying their boxes!
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