Learn about our featured cheese of the week: Beemster cheese!
This week’s featured cheese from Giolitti Deli is Beemster cheese! It is a North Holland Dutch Gouda that is crafted exclusively in a single region in Holland, the Beemster Polder. This type of cheese is another great charcuterie addition, and we are offering it in our store for $16.99/lb. Continue reading to learn more about Beemster cheese and what food and drinks to pair it with!
The Beemster Polder
Beemster cheese is a very special type of Gouda, as it is crafted exclusively in the Beemster Polder- a low tract of land enclosed by embankments with no connection to outside water sources. The cows graze this area in North Holland on pesticide-free pastures that contain rare blue sea clay that gives Beemster cheeses a soft and creamy texture.
Varieties
Beemster is an artisan Dutch cheese with a signature nutty and butter-rich flavor profiles. The recipe was developed in 1901, and Beemster cheeses typically have less salt than other Dutch cheeses. However, Beemster is made in several varieties, including Lite, Classic, Master’s Choice, X-O, and Flavored Beemster cheeses.
Beemsite Lite is only aged for five months, so it doesn’t have much complexity, so it has a mild taste that pairs well on a sandwich.
The Classic cheese is aged for a minimum of 18 months on traditional wooden boards, so it has a much more complex flavor. The unique sea clay soil of the North Holland region gives the cow’s milk a sweet flavor and soft consistency.
Beemster Master’s Choice gets an extra washing of curds and gets at least one year of aging. This type is softer and creamier due to extra washing, and each wheel is selected by the Master Cheesemaker.
Beemster X-O is a very old cheese that ages for a long 26 months. The flavor has hints of butterscotch, along with waves of whiskey and pecan. As the cheese matures for over two years, the flavors become very complex, and the cheese becomes crumbly, but still has a smooth and creamy taste.
Food and Drink Pairings
At Giolitti Deli, we sell the Beemster Classic cheese that has been aged for at least 18 months. This type of cheese pairs well on a charcuterie board with smoked almonds, dates, or a fig spread. As for drinks, serve the Beemster Classic will a glass of hoppy, bitter craft beer, a bottle of Malbec, or your choice of a full-bodied white wine.
Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli
Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!
Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!
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