our herd
COWS AT THE PENTERMAN FARM ARE ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS OUR GOUDA CHEESE IS AWARD-WINNING!
Our Gouda
We handcraft our true farmstead cheese using an Old World TechniqueWHAT IS GOUDA?
Gouda cheese is one of the most popular kinds of cheese in the world!
It is a mild-flavored and semi-hard cheese. One of the reasons it has a more mild flavor palate than other cheeses is due to how it’s processed. The cheese curds are “washed” with warm water to separate them from the whey. Washing the cheese curds improves the overall taste of the cheese, making it less “stinky” than other cheeses. It is also what gives it a more mild taste.
OUR COWS
AGAINST A CRISP WISCONSIN SUNRISE, YOU WILL FIND OUR FARMERS ALREADY TENDING TO OUR COWS IN OUR, FREE-STALL BARN, COW SPA.
Our herd is made up of mostly Holsteins, a few Brown Swiss, and some crossbreeds. You will find them, on any given day, lounging in their sand beds, getting their back scratched by our automatic brushes, or cooling off in our sprinklers. By providing a loving and relaxing environment we are able to get remarkably consistent full-flavored raw milk. Our barn team cares for each cow with the utmost respect. Every cow has their own personal "fit bit" that allows us to track its rumination cycles (digestion), overall health, and if they're getting enough exercise. This ensures that each cow is happy and healthy. If we don't take care of our cows we fail at our job, and, as you can see by our numerous awards, we don't take failure as an option.
HAPPY COWS MAKE BETTER CHEESE
OUR FREE-STALL BARN, OR WHAT WE CALL OUR COW SPA, IS EQUIPPED WITH EVERYTHING THAT WILL GUARANTEE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY LIFE FOR ALL OF OUR COWS.
The open concept allows for the cows to wander around as they'd like. It is very similar to allowing them to graze on pasture but even better since they have access to food 24/7. With the harsh Wisconsin weather, we are able to best care for our herd by controlling all variables in the environment. When the blistering sun is overhead our cows can be found chewing their cud underneath our numerous sprinklers and fans. On cool days when the body heat of all of the cows almost makes steam (they run at a balmy 102° F), we can open the doors and sides to allow for a fresh breeze. Their happiness and health are our top priority.
COME TOUR OUR FARM AND CREAMERY FOR A TRULY WHOLESOME EXPERIENCE
HANDCRAFTED WITH PASSION
WE CRAFT OUR ARTISAN CHEESE WITH LOVE
OLD WORLD TECHNIQUES
THE EQUIPMENT, CULTURES, HERBS AND SPICES ARE ALL IMPORTED FROM HOLLAND.
Marieke® Gouda is our signature cheese made with an authentic Old World Gouda technique. The rBGH free cows milk from the Penterman Farm. Our creamery is right across from our farm to ensure quality, and so you know exactly how we make your food! After our vat is full of rich milk, we add our signature cultures and ingredients to create an authentic Gouda using an Old World technique. Once we process the cheese curd, we press them into our wheel molds.
MAKING OUR GOUDA
THE CURD IS HAND PACKED INTO 18 POUND FORMS BEFORE GOING UNDER THE PRESS.
It is then brined for 60 hours. The wheels are then transferred to the special curing room and aged on Dutch pine planks which absorb the liquid as the cheese ages. For the first 14 days the cheese is turned (flipped over) daily to ensure that the butterfat is evenly distributed throughout the cheese. The wooden planks are also cleaned daily and turned to prevent molds.
During this time the breathable coating is hand painted on the cheese. After the initial daily turning is complete the cheese is turned twice weekly for as long as it is in our facility.
Breaking the Mold
At our heart, we believe in revolutionizing the way you experience gouda. We're not just offering cheese; we're inviting you on a journey of flavor that transcends the ordinary. Imagine a world where gouda becomes a canvas for memories and imagination—a world where each bite takes you on a nostalgic trip or sparks a culinary innovation.
Our goal is to open doors to new sensory experiences, blending tradition with creativity. We're committed to crafting gouda that defies expectations, embraces diverse flavors, and inspires you to think beyond the familiar. With every piece, we aim to ignite your taste buds, evoke cherished memories, and encourage you to see gouda in a whole new light.
Join us in redefining what cheese can be. Let's explore new horizons together and celebrate the extraordinary in every bite.
FEMALE OWNED
WE ARE A FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESS WITH AWARD-WINNING CHEESE
FEMALE CHEESEMAKERS
THERE ARE 1,200 LICENSED CHEESEMAKERS IN WISCONSIN AND ONLY 60 OF THEM ARE WOMEN.
Marieke Penterman is not only the owner of Marieke® Gouda, but she is also one of our three licensed cheesemakers. The other licensed cheesemakers in Marieke® Gouda creamery are also women. Marieke has women as the head of almost every department.THE EQUIPMENT, CULTURES, HERBS AND SPICES ARE ALL IMPORTED FROM HOLLAND.
Marieke® Gouda is our signature cheese made with an authentic Old World Gouda technique. The rBGH free cows milk from the Penterman Farm cows couldn't be fresher being piped directly from the first milking of the day directly into the processing vat.
AWARD WINNING PERSONALITY
EMPOWERING THE WOMEN ON THE TEAM HAS MADE A SPECIAL ENVIRONMENT.
Marieke creates an incredibly empowering atmosphere where women feel comfortable coming forward with ideas. Running her business in this inclusive way has helped put Marieke on the map for her cheese-making.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR AWARDS