Gouda, or "Hou-da" as the locals say, is a Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. If truth be told, it is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, accounting for 50% - 60 % of the world's cheese consumption. It is a semi-hard cheese celebrated for its rich, unique flavour and smooth texture. Gouda is typically made from pasteurized cow's mild although some artisan varieties use sheep's or goat's milk to produce cheeses that are going to be aged for a long time.