Gouda is a mainstay of the cheese board ... it's been aged long enough to develop complex flavors, unlike the paler yellow Goudas that may have only been aged for a few weeks.

Goudas from the traditional region of production will be labelled ‘Noord-Hollandse Gouda’. Young Goudas will have a clear, or pale-yellow rind. Partly oven-dried examples may have a golden ...

Close-up of a wedge of aged, deep yellow Gouda with sliced baguette on cutting board - Vladimir Mironov/Getty Images ...