It is difficult to ignore the importance of cheese in the Dutch way of life. Dutch cheese is one of the gustatory pleasures not to be missed. Though Edam and Gouda are famous around the world, they are just the tip of the iceberg compared with the variety of cheeses that the Dutch have to offer.

Available to the cheese connoisseur are many varieties- Leyden, Maasdam, Basiron Pesto, Vlaskaas, Friesiankaas, Dutch Mimolette, Leerdammer, Brandnetelkaas, Boerenkaas, Kernham, Bluefort, Kruidenkaas- all produced from different regions of the Netherlands. They are unique in taste, texture and sometimes even color. But they are all a slice of heaven on the plate.

More than fifty percent of the total Dutch cheese production consists of Gouda cheese. Half of this is exported, making Holland the world's largest exporter of cheese. The primary characteristic of Gouda is that it uses full-fat milk unlike Edam, the second most important cheese in the Netherlands, which is made of partly skimmed milk. Edam cheese has a mild nutty taste, and almost no smell. Plus it ages well and does not spoil easily, a perfect reason to give it as gifts to someone back home.

Leyden cheese carries the official symbol of the Dutch city of Leiden: two crossed keys on its orange red rind. Its cumin flavor contrasts well with its nutty creamy character. The Basiron Pesto is a true show stealer due to its lovely green color and pesto flavoring.

If you are in the mood for some cheese fondue, Dutch Emmental, for example the Maasdam variety, can give the Swiss a run for their money. The trademarked variety of this cheese is called the Leerdammer cheese. The Dutch penchant for orange color is legendary. They even add carrot juice to their mature Edam cheese to give it an unique orange color. This variety is known as the Dutch Mimolette.

The Frisian people add cloves to give the wonderfully unique Nagelkaas its flavor. The Boerenkaas or the Dutch farmhouse cheese is seeped in tradition. Handmade on cheese farms from unpasteurised milk; they are truly worth a try.

If all this information has overwhelmed you, then a visit to the cheese museum in Alkmaar is a must. Or maybe, just make a visit to the nearest specialty cheese shops, many of which are situated at the open market in Enschede for a cheesy experience!