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Prima Donna

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description Prima Donna Overview

Prima Donna is a branded Dutch cow's-milk cheese produced in the style of a firm, matured Gouda while drawing comparison to Italian hard cheeses. Aging gives it a dense, sliceable body that becomes more granular in longer-matured versions, along with caramel-like, nutty, and savory flavors. It is sold in several maturation levels and is intended for use as a table cheese, in sandwiches, or grated and shaved over cooked dishes.

help Prima Donna FAQ

What kind of cheese is Prima Donna?

Prima Donna is a Dutch hard cheese created by the Vandersterre company. It is uniquely crafted to blend the characteristics of Italian Parmesan with traditional Dutch Gouda. This results in a cheese that has the sweet, nutty notes of Parmigiano-Reggiano but a smoother, more pliable texture.

How long is Prima Donna cheese aged?

To achieve its signature granular texture and crystalline crunch, Prima Donna is aged for 12 months or more. The longer aging process breaks down the proteins to enhance the sweet, nutty flavor profile. This maturation makes it firmer than a standard young Gouda.

Who manufactures Prima Donna cheese?

Prima Donna is produced by Vandersterre, a prominent Dutch dairy cooperative. They specialize in creating high-quality, specialty cheeses that bridge the gap between Dutch and Italian flavor preferences. The brand offers several varieties, including a Maestro and a lightly aged version.

How does Prima Donna differ from standard Gouda?

While it uses a similar base process to Gouda, Prima Donna utilizes different bacterial cultures that mimic those used in Italian hard cheeses like Parmesan. This alters the maturation process, pushing the flavor toward a savory, umami-rich profile. The texture also becomes much more crystalline and crumbly than aged Gouda.

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