kids encyclopedia robot

Kanterkaas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Kanterkaas, kanterkomijnekaas, kanternagelkaas
Frisian clove cheese AvL.jpg
Country of origin Netherlands
Region Friesland, Westerkwartier
Source of milk Cows
Pasteurised Yes
Texture Hard
Fat content 20+: 20–25%
40+: 40–44%
Weight 3 kg (6.6 lb) to 8.5 kg (19 lb)
Certification PDO 2000
Named after Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 70: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Kanterkaas is a special yellow cheese from the Netherlands. It's made from cow's milk. There are three main types:

  • Kanterkaas is the plain version.
  • Kanterkomijnekaas has a cumin flavor.
  • Kanternagelkaas has both cumin and cloves.

The word Kanter means 'edge' in Dutch. This name comes from the sharp edge where the side of the cheese meets its bottom. Kanterkaas received a special status called Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Union in 2000. This means it can only be made in the Friesland province and the Westerkwartier area of the Netherlands. You might also hear the name Frisian clove cheese (or Nagelkaas). This name is often used for other Dutch cheeses that are similar to Kanternagelkaas.

How Kanterkaas is Made

Kanterkaas has a unique flat, round shape. The edge where the side meets the bottom is sharp. But the edge where the side meets the top is rounded. Each cheese can weigh from about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) to 8.5 kilograms (18.7 pounds).

This cheese comes in two main types based on its fat content:

  • 20+ Kanterkaas: This type has a lower fat content. It contains between 20% and 25% fat in its dry matter. After 12 days, it must have a moisture content of no more than 48.5%.
  • 40+ Kanterkaas: This type has a higher fat content. It contains between 40% and 44% fat in its dry matter. After 12 days, it must have a moisture content of no more than 41.5%.

The outside of Kanterkaas and Kanternagelkaas can be natural. It can also have a clear or yellow coating. Kanterkomijnekaas can also have a red coating.

What Kanterkaas Tastes Like

The flavor of Kanterkaas changes as it gets older.

  • Plain Kanterkaas tastes pleasant and can be sharp or strong.
  • Kanterkomijnekaas smells nice and has a pleasant flavor. It can be mild or strong.
  • Kanternagelkaas also smells nice and has a pleasant flavor. It tastes sharp to strong.
kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Kanterkaas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.