Frequently asked questions
This page contains the answers to the Old Amsterdam FAQ. Do you have a question that is not included in the FAQ? Please contact us or fill in the contact form.
CLASSIC
What type of cheese is Old Amsterdam Classic?
Old Amsterdam is a Premium Aged Gouda cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It has a firm texture, deep color, and smooth, rich and robust flavor. Gouda cheese in general is named after the town of Gouda, located in the South Holland province of The Netherlands. Gouda has been a center of trade for farmers and cheese makers for centuries.
What is an Aged Gouda?
Aged Gouda, a washed-curd cheese, is always made from standardized milk. It has a minimum butterfat content of 48% (Edam cheese, a close relative, has a butterfat content of 40%). Traditionally, Old Amsterdam Classic is ripened on wooden shelves to form its typical semi-hard structure, with a deep caramel color. The body of the cheese may contain tiny holes, called “eyes.” In addition, crunchy white protein (or ‘ripening’) crystals appear during the ripening process.
How is Old Amsterdam Classic made?
Old Amsterdam Classic is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, with the addition of rennet, cheese cultures, salt and colorant. After years of experimentation, dedication, and collaboration with well-established dairy producers, the Westland family found the specific cheese culture that gives Old Amsterdam its specific smooth, rich, and robust taste while visiting Italian farmers. Old Amsterdam’s unique ripening process consists of three stages, each with its own conditions, similar to the traditional warehouse process. Old Amsterdam Classic is released to market when it has reached the perfect taste – never before.
How long has Old Amsterdam Classic been aged?
Westland uses taste and quality to determine when Old Amsterdam Classic is perfectly ripened; on average this takes approximately 8 months. The decision to hold or release a particular batch of Old Amsterdam rests with our master cheese makers, and nobody else.
What makes Old Amsterdam Classic special?
Old Amsterdam Classic is made from a secret family recipe which provides its complex flavor profile, often described with terms such as “butterscotch/caramel” and “bouillon.” Compared to other Aged Gouda’s, Old Amsterdam is not dry, crumbly, or salty. It has a smooth texture, which makes it soft in the mouth, and easy to cut or slice.
What are the ingredients of Old Amsterdam Classic?
Pasteurized cow’s milk, salt, cheese cultures, rennet, color extract (annatto or beta-carotene).
What are the nutritional values of Old Amsterdam Classic?
Serving Size 1 oz (28g)
Amount / Serving: Calories 120, Total Fat 10g (13% DV) Saturated Fat 7g (33% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 30mg (10% DV), Sodium 270mg (12% DV), Total Carbohydrate 0g (0% DV), Dietary Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 0g, Includes 0g added sugars (0% DV), Protein 8g (17% DV), Vitamin D 0% DV, Calcium 20% DV, Iron 0% DV, Potassium 0% DV.
Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
MILD
What type of cheese is Old Amsterdam Mild?
Old Amsterdam is a Premium Mild Gouda cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It has a mild, accessible flavor profile with a creamy, semi-soft texture. Gouda cheese in general is named after the town of Gouda, located in the South Holland province of The Netherlands. Gouda has been a center of trade for farmers and cheese makers for centuries.
What is a Mild Gouda?
Mild Gouda, a washed-curd cheese, is always made from standardized milk. It has a minimum butterfat content of 48% (Edam cheese, a close relative, has a butterfat content of 40%). Traditionally, Old Amsterdam Mild is ripened on wooden shelves to form its typical semi-soft structure, with a fresh, buttery yellow color. The body of the cheese may contain tiny holes, called “eyes.”
How is Old Amsterdam Mild made?
Old Amsterdam Mild is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, with the addition of rennet, cheese cultures, salt and colorant. After years of experimentation, dedication, and collaboration with well-established dairy producers, the Westland family found the specific cheese culture that gives Old Amsterdam Classic its taste specific taste. This same cheese culture is also used for Old Amsterdam Mild. Old Amsterdam Mild is released to market when it has reached the perfect taste – never before.
How long has Old Amsterdam Mild been aged?
Westland uses taste and quality to determine when Old Amsterdam Mild is perfectly ripened; on average this takes approximately 4 months. The decision to hold or release a particular batch of Old Amsterdam rests with our master cheese makers, and nobody else.
What makes Old Amsterdam Mild special?
Old Amsterdam is made with the unique cheese culture that is also used for the Old Amsterdam Classic and combined with the accessible flavor profile this is a favorite all over the world. This product, with its creamy & semi-soft texture, is an example of the fresh, rich, buttery sweetness of Dutch milk. The semi-soft texture makes this an excellent melting cheese.
What are the ingredients of Old Amsterdam Mild?
Pasteurized cow’s milk, salt, cheese cultures, rennet, color extract (annatto or beta-carotene)
What are the nutritional values of Old Amsterdam Mild?
Serving Size 1 oz (28g)
Amount / Serving: Calories 110, Total Fat 9g (12% DV) Saturated Fat 7g (33% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 30mg (10% DV), Sodium 230mg (10% DV), Total Carbohydrate 0g (0% DV), Dietary Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 0g, Includes 0g added sugars (0% DV), Protein 7g (14% DV), Vitamin D 0% DV, Calcium 20% DV, Iron 0% DV, Potassium 0% DV.
Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
RESERVE
What type of cheese is Old Amsterdam Reserve?
Old Amsterdam is a Premium Extra Aged Gouda cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It has a firm, crumbly texture with a multitude of deep, rich flavors. Gouda cheese in general is named after the town of Gouda, located in the South Holland province of The Netherlands. Gouda has been a center of trade for farmers and cheese makers for centuries.
What is an Extra Aged Gouda?
Aged gouda, a washed-curd cheese, is always made from standardized milk. It has a minimum butterfat content of 48% (Edam cheese, a close relative, has a butterfat content of 40%). Traditionally, Old Amsterdam Reserve is ripened on wooden shelves to form its typical hard structure, with deep (almost brown) caramel/toffee color. The body of the cheese may contain tiny holes, called “eyes.” In addition, loads of crunchy white protein (or ‘ripening’) crystals appear during the ripening process.
How is Old Amsterdam Reserve made?
Old Amsterdam Reserve is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, with the addition of rennet, cheese cultures, salt and colorant. After years of experimentation, dedication, and collaboration with well-established dairy producers, the Westland family found the specific way to create this special batch of Reserve cheeses. Old Amsterdam Reserve is released to market when it has reached the perfect taste – never before.
How long has Old Amsterdam Reserve been aged?
Westland uses taste and quality to determine when Old Amsterdam Reserve is perfectly ripened; on average this takes approximately 18 months. The decision to hold or release a particular batch of Old Amsterdam rests with our master cheese makers, and nobody else.
What makes Old Amsterdam Reserve special?
Old Amsterdam is made from a secret family recipe with its own, unique ripening procedure that differs from the other items. Within the Old Amsterdam assortment it’s the variety with the most complex & rich flavor profile. It has bourbon, caramel & pecan undertones and a firm, crumbly texture sparked with lots of ripening crystals. The uniqueness and flavor profile makes this an excellent for a special occasion or as an own special treat.
What are the ingredients of Old Amsterdam Reserve?
Pasteurized cow’s milk, salt, cheese cultures, rennet, color extract (beta-carotene).
What are the nutritional values of Old Amsterdam Reserve?
Serving Size 1 oz (28g)
Amount / Serving: Calories 130, Total Fat 10g (13% DV) Saturated Fat 7g (35% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 35mg (11% DV), Sodium 270mg (12% DV), Total Carbohydrate 0g (0% DV), Dietary Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 0g, Includes 0g added sugars (0% DV), Protein 8g (16% DV), Vitamin D 0% DV, Calcium 20% DV, Iron 0% DV, Potassium 0% DV.
Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
GOAT
What type of cheese is Old Amsterdam Goat?
Old Amsterdam Goat is a Premium Aged Goat Gouda cheese made from goat’s milk. It is refreshingly sweet, has caramel undertones and a smooth, creamy texture with fine ripening crystals.
How is Old Amsterdam Goat made?
Old Amsterdam is made from goat’s milk, with the addition of rennet, salt and a cheese culture. After years of experimentation, dedication, and collaboration with well-established dairy producers, the Westland family found the specific way to create this special batch of Goat cheeses. Old Amsterdam Goat is released to market when it has reached the perfect taste – never before.
How long has Old Amsterdam Goat been aged?
Westland uses taste and quality to determine when Old Amsterdam Goat is perfectly ripened; on average this takes approximately 8 months. The decision to hold or release a particular batch of Old Amsterdam Goat rests with our master cheese makers, and nobody else.
What makes Old Amsterdam Goat special?
Old Amsterdam Goat is made from a secret family recipe which provides its unique, surprising & pleasant flavor profile. It is refreshingly sweet, has caramel undertones and a smooth, creamy texture with fine ripening crystals. The sweetness and texture make this a great item in a variety of recipes and sandwiches. It has been voted #1 Hard Goat’s Cheese in the World at the 2020 World Championship Cheese Contest in Wisconsin.
What are the ingredients of Old Amsterdam Goat?
Pasteurized goat’s milk, salt, cheese cultures, vegetarian rennet
What are the nutritional values of Old Amsterdam Goat?
Serving Size 1 oz (28g)
Amount / Serving: Calories 130, Total Fat 11g (14% DV) Saturated Fat 7g (35% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 35mg (12% DV), Sodium 280mg (12% DV), Total Carbohydrate 0g (0% DV), Dietary Fiber 0g (0% DV), Total Sugars 0g, Includes 0g added sugars (0% DV), Protein 7g (14% DV), Vitamin D 0% DV, Calcium 20% DV, Iron 0% DV, Potassium 0% DV.
Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
OTHER
How many gallons of milk are needed to make cheese?
Around 1,3 gallon of milk is needed to produce one pound of cheese. The exact amount depends on the type of cheese.
What are the health benefits of cheese?
As a dairy product, cheese is naturally rich in protein and calcium, among other nutrients. It also contains substances called Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Sphingolipids that may help prevent cancer. In addition, the vitamin B in cheese is helpful for maintaining body functions and protecting the body from disease. What’s more, eating certain cheeses such as goudas (like Old Amsterdam) immediately after a meal or snack has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.
I’m on a low-cholesterol diet. Can I eat cheese?
If you’re on a low-cholesterol diet, it’s important to eat foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as vegetables. Since cheese is a product of animal origin, it contains only small amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids and can be enjoyed in limited quantities. For more specific advice, ask your physician or nutritionist.
I’m on a low-protein diet. Can I eat cheese?
As a high protein food, cheese is not typically included in low-protein diets. However, if you’re a cheese-lover, we recommend a Gouda 48+ cheese, such as Old Amsterdam, because it contains less protein than a 30+ cheese.
I’m lactose intolerant. Can I eat cheese?
People with lactose intolerance can normally eat cheese. While cheese does contain lactose, the level declines with aging. This means that mature cheeses like Old Amsterdam and other Dutch cheeses contain only small traces of lactose. When in doubt, ask your physician or nutritionist.
I am allergic to cow’s milk. Can I eat cheese?
Unfortunately, no. Cheese is a milk product and contains milk proteins, no matter how it is made or aged. Many people enjoy tofu as a cheese substitute.
I have diabetes. Can I eat cheese?
Old Amsterdam does not contain carbohydrates but, like any cheese, it does contain fat. Check with your physician to see if a mature gouda such as Old Amsterdam is permitted on your diet.
I am allergic to gluten. Can I eat cheese?
Yes. Cheese is a gluten-free food.
What is that white deposit on the cheese?
You’re seeing ripening crystals, part of the process that gives the cheese its flavor and texture. They tend to appear on more mature cheese such as Old Amsterdam, and are totally edible.
My cheese has mold on it? Can I still eat it?
Mold is a natural process which can occur if cheese is not properly packaged or rewrapped. Most molds that appear on cheese are harmless, but it’s wise to avoid eating them. If only a portion of the cheese has mold on it, simply cut around the mold (leaving an inch on all sides). The remaining cheese is fine to eat.
How can I slice, cut or shred cheese more easily?
Slicing, cutting and shredding is easier with a warm cutting tool. Hold the slicer, knife or grater in hot running water before use and it will cut through the cheese effortlessly.
How should I store Old Amsterdam cheese?
Old Amsterdam should be kept in the refrigerator in its original unopened package to prevent drying. Leftovers can be stored in plastic wrap, wax paper, or parchment paper and place in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.
What’s the best way to prepare Old Amsterdam cheese?
Old Amsterdam tastes best when brought to room temperature. Take it out of the refrigerator at least one hour before serving.
