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Beemster XO

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description Beemster XO Overview

Beemster XO is an extra-aged, pasteurized cow's milk Gouda cheese produced by the Beemster cooperative in the North Holland polder region of the Netherlands. The cheese is aged for a minimum of 26 months, a process that reduces its moisture content and results in a dense, firm paste dotted with crunchy tyrosine crystals. This extensive maturation period gives the cheese a sharp, complex flavor profile characterized by notes of butterscotch, intended for consumers of mature hard cheeses.

help Beemster XO FAQ

What does XO mean on Beemster XO cheese?

XO identifies Beemster's extra-old Gouda-style cheese, matured for at least 26 months. It is a branded age designation, not a separate Dutch protected cheese category.

Are the crunchy pieces in Beemster XO salt crystals?

The crunch usually comes largely from protein crystals that develop during prolonged aging. They are a normal feature of mature Gouda and accompany the cheese's firm, slightly crumbly texture.

What makes Beemster cheese connected to a polder?

Its milk comes from farms in North Holland's Beemster polder, land reclaimed from a lake in the early 17th century. The area's clay soil and pasture are central to the producer's origin story.

How should Beemster XO be served?

Let it warm slightly from refrigerator temperature so its caramel, butterscotch, and roasted-nut notes become clearer. Its concentrated flavor works in thin shards with mustard, dried fruit, dark bread, or an aged drink.

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