Gouda is a town in the Netherlands known for its distinctive cheese covered in a yellow waxy rind. Originally, in the middle ages, the town was a centre for the distribution of cheeses from the surrounding farms. The market was so profitable that in 1667 the town council decided to levy a tax on cheese. In 1668 a weigh house (de Waag) was built opposite the Town Hall as you can see in the postcard.
There is still a market held every week during the summer months, in the market place between the town hall and the weigh house. A tourist attraction now, but it re-enacts the medieval tradition along with displays of other crafts typical of Dutch culture.
I have always heard of the type of cheese but never knew it came from a specific area. Now you are making me want to try it. Thanks
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uhhoooh..what a biiiig cheese you got there... i think it is yummy.. nici nice nice!
ReplyDeleteI certainly do like Gouda and have consumed far too much of it. I like cheese, in general, and it's pretty expensive!
ReplyDeleteI love cheese! It's so interesting to find out info like this. I love knowing the origins of things!
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