Kanterkaas

Kanterkaas is a delightful Dutch yellow cheese made from cow's milk, offering a range of flavors to suit diverse palates. One popular variant is Kanterkomijnekaas, infused with cumin, while another is Kanternagelkaas, boasting the combined flavors of cumin and cloves.

The name "Kanter" translates to "edge" in Dutch, which highlights the cheese's distinctive shape where the side meets the base at a sharp angle. Recognized for its unique qualities, Kanterkaas received a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union in 2000. This prestigious designation ensures it is exclusively produced in Friesland and the Westerkwartier area.

Kanterkaas is easily identifiable by its flat, cylindrical shape. It features a sharp edge between the side and the base, while the side and top have a more rounded connection. This cheese can weigh between 3 kg (6.6 lb) and 8.5 kg (19 lb), and is available in two fat content options: 20+ and 40+. The flavor of Kanterkaas evolves with aging. The plain version tends to have a sharp to strong taste, Kanterkomijnekaas offers a mild to strong and fragrant flavor, and Kanternagelkaas delivers a sharp to strong taste with spiced nuances.

The production process for Kanterkaas is meticulous, with particular attention to fat content and humidity levels. The rind of Kanterkaas, whether plain or flavored, can either have a natural appearance or be coated with various materials. It is worth noting that the term "Frisian clove cheese" is sometimes used to describe other Dutch cheeses that resemble Kanternagelkaas, although these do not share the same protected status.