Cornish Gouda

Gouda is the Netherlands’ greatest contribution to European cheese, and this sweet, mellow cheese has been famous since the 12th Century when specialist cheese markets were established all over the Netherlands in the major market towns and cities. 

Now a Dutch family has begun making it near Polruan in south-east Cornwall.  At six to eight months old, this version is classed as ‘semi-mature’ – it has a little bit of a kick, but remains creamy.

The Spieling family makers of this cheese moved from Holland to Cornwall in 1988 to set up a dairy farm near Polruan, in the south-east of the county. Producing high-quality milk, but frustrated by low prices the farm was put up for sale as things were getting tougher financially for the family. It was only when their son Giel returned home form school one day and was faced with a “For Sale” sign on the farm gate that they decided to look into cheese production as a way of adding value to what the farm could produce and drawing on their Dutch heritage was the obvious way to go.

They refurbished a shed on the farm to use for a dairy and maturing room,  Giel travelled back to Holland to study cheesemaking with other members of the family taking in his grandmothers valuable knowledge and experience. 

Giel started cheese making in Cornwall in earnest in 2012, with the first cheese going on sale later that year. The result is a unique addition to the English cheese map. At present Giel is making the cheese in several states of maturity, from his six to eight month old matured Gouda to his five year old extra vintage Gouda which is out of this world. Some of his cheeses are flavoured with Fenugreek seeds and Cumin, following the Dutch tradition of flavoured cheeses whilst many are left in their plain and original state. 

This Gouda has a rich and creamy taste with the development of the fine salt crystals so typical of a traditional Gouda cheese.