Dutch artisan round Gouda cheeses and wedges in Spain.
Why Is Gouda Cheese Round? The Story Behind the Shape
If you’ve ever browsed a cheese shop or market stall, you’ve probably noticed the familiar golden wheels of Gouda. With their smooth, wax-coated rinds and distinctive round shape, Gouda cheeses are as recognizable as they are delicious. But have you ever wondered why Gouda cheese is round? The answer lies in history, practicality, and tradition.
A Brief History of Gouda
Gouda is one of the world’s oldest recorded cheeses, originating in the Netherlands as far back as the 12th century. It takes its name not from where it was made, but from the Dutch city of Gouda—a historic trading hub where cheesemakers would bring their products to market. Farmers and merchants would gather in Gouda’s market square to sell their wheels of cheese, a tradition that continues with ceremonial flair today.
Why Round? Practical Reasons for the Shape of Gouda Cheese
The round form of Gouda is no accident. Several factors made the wheel shape ideal:
- Uniform Aging: Round wheels age more evenly. The absence of sharp corners reduces weak spots where moisture loss could be uneven or mold could develop. The circular form promotes a consistent texture and flavor profile throughout the cheese.
- Ease of Transport: Before modern packaging, cheeses had to be durable for long journeys over land and sea. Round wheels were easier to roll, stack, and handle, especially during export. The shape helped prevent breakage that would be more likely with square or rectangular blocks.
- Protective Wax Coating: Traditionally, Gouda is covered in a brightly colored wax—often red, yellow, or black depending on age. This coating seals the cheese, preventing spoilage and helping it retain moisture. A round surface makes waxing easier, creating a uniform protective layer with no edges or seams.
- Tradition and Market Identity: Over centuries, the round wheel became part of Gouda’s identity. When buyers and traders saw those glossy, circular shapes at market, they immediately knew they were looking at Dutch Gouda. Today, the round shape is not just practical, but symbolic.
How Big Are Gouda Wheels?
Traditional Gouda wheels typically weigh between 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 12 kg), though smaller and larger versions exist. Mini “baby Goudas,” often weighing just half a kilo each, are popular for gifts and easier household use. Regardless of size, the round form remains consistent.
Traditional Artisanal Dutch Gouda: Still Staying Round
Although cheese production has modernized with stainless steel vats and temperature-controlled aging rooms, Gouda still holds onto its classic wheel shape. Even when cut into wedges for retail sale, the curve of the rind gives away its original round form.
Are the pre-packaged slices of Gouda cheese that you buy in the supermarket cut from a round Gouda cheese? Read more.
Authentic farmhouse Gouda: Round and made from raw cow’s milk
Today, the vast majority of Gouda cheese is produced industrially from pasteurized milk, not only in the Netherlands but worldwide.
But… good news for lovers of artisan cow’s milk cheese in Spain! Traditional Gouda cheese is still made on farms in the Netherlands, following a centuries-old tradition, and is available at Craxi Queso in Malaga.
What is Dutch artisanal Gouda cheese?
Dutch artisanal Gouda cheese is a raw cow’s milk cheese with a rich tradition, multiple varieties depending on its natural ripening, important nutritional benefits, and great versatility in the kitchen.
Dutch artisanal Gouda cheese: A Traditional Specialty Guaranteed
This type of Gouda cheese is classified by the European Union as a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) and can only be made on a Dutch farm using the traditional method. All Craxi Gouda cheeses from our Malaga cheese stores and our online shop are traditionally made with raw cow’s milk on a cheese farm in the Netherlands.
Nutritional Benefits of Artisan Gouda Cheese
Artisan Gouda cheese is rich in high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B2, B12, D, and K2, all essential for bone and muscle health.
Assortment of Craxi’s Dutch artisanal round Gouda cheeses in Spain
Large round artisan Gouda cheese, small Gouda cheese, and freshly cut Gouda wedges.
Which do you prefer: a wedge of the real stuff “Artisanal Gouda“ or industrial Gouda cheese?
These Dutch artisanal Gouda cheeses are available as round Gouda wheels or in freshly cut wedges in Spain.
| Craxi’s assortment of Gouda cheese | Artisanal raw milk cow cheeses |
| Gouda Natural | Matured for 4 months |
| Gouda Natural | Matured for 6 months |
| Gouda Natural | Matured for 8 months |
| Gouda Natural | Matured for 12 months |
| Gouda Natural | Matured for 24 months |
| Gouda Natural | Matured for 36 months |
| Gouda with Truffle | Black summer truffle |
| Gouda with Fenugreek | Fenugreek seeds |
| Spicy Gouda | Chilli peppers |
| Gouda Garlic | Garlic, onion, paprika, ginger, and horseradish |
| Gouda Green Pesto | Basil, pepper, garlic, oregano leaf, and paprika |
| Gouda Red Pesto | Chilli peppers, basil, garlic, oregano leaf, pepper, and paprika |
| Gouda Cumin | Cumin seeds |
| Leyden Cheese | Cumin seeds |
| Gouda Natural Smoked | Cold smoked |
| Gouda low-salt diet cheese | Unsalted |
Where can you buy this traditional Dutch round Gouda cheese in Spain?
You’ll find the best artisanal Dutch Gouda cheeses made using traditional methods at Craxi Queso located in Málaga.
Order Gouda cheese online: Home delivery throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
You can order our Gouda cheeses safely and easily through our online cheese shop and experience the taste of our authentic Dutch Gouda cheese without leaving home.
Where can you find our Craxi cheese shops in Málaga city?
Craxi cheese shop locations in Malaga:
CRAXI QUESO: Mercado de la Merced, Stall 14.
ADDRESS: Calle la Merced, 4, Centro District, 29012 Málaga, Spain.
Phone: +34 624 48 57 73
Email: Contact form
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
📍 Find us on Google Maps
CRAXI QUESO: Mercado de Huelin, Stalls 7-8.
ADDRESS: Calle la Hoz, 37, Carretera de Cádiz, 29002 Málaga, Spain.
Phone: +34 624 48 57 73
Email: Contact form
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
📍 Find us on Google Maps
Traditional Gouda Shape: Round “Wheels”
The round shape of artisanal Gouda cheese made at the cheese farm is more than just aesthetic—it’s the result of centuries of practical wisdom, preservation needs, and cultural tradition. Each handcrafted wheel not only has a rich, full flavor, but also tells a story of Dutch craftsmanship and trading history.
How can you contact Craxi Cheese if you have any questions about our round Gouda cheese?
If you have any questions about our artisan Gouda cheeses, shipping or online cheese order, please feel free to contact us via the contact form on the website or use the WhatsApp button. We will get back to you as soon as possible with an answer.
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CRAXI ARTISAN DUTCH GOUDA CHEESES IN MÁLAGA
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