Clara Maria Cheese And Clog Factory in the Netherlands
As the Dutch are renowned worldwide for their deliciously creamy cheese and traditional wooden clogs, it’s only natural that exploring these local culture and traditions would be high on any traveler’s to-do list while visiting the Netherlands. So in July, under a slightly cloudy sky, we embarked on a journey to Southwestern Amsterdam, traversing the beautiful Dutch countryside to visit the 160-year-old Clara Maria Cheese and Clog Factory. Here, we experienced a range of epicurean delights, from sipping local wine as we cruised through the UNESCO-listed canals of Amsterdam, to seeing first-hand the production of the delicious Dutch cheese, made from the pressed curds of fresh milk. Simply put, it was a truly unforgettable experience!
After a thrilling 30-minute journey past 19 of the last 17th-century preserved windmills, and through enchanting gardens, we finally arrived at Clara Maria Cheese and Clog farm, which transported us to a bygone era of Dutch farming and culture. We strolled along the canals and admired the beautiful windmills before discovering the little family-owned factory that produces both cheese and clogs – traditional Dutch wooden shoes. The experienced staff gave us a fantastic tour of the cheese-making process, explaining every intricate detail, and we even got to sample some of the delicious produce at the end! It was an incredible experience, and one that we’ll never forget!
Every morning and evening, the Clara Maria farm in Amsterdam’s Amstelveen district stirs to life. Here, you can find all sorts of creatures roaming about – geese, pigs, cows, chickens – and even a few ancient, abandoned wagons! But more importantly, the farmers here take the utmost care of their 60+ cows, milking them to produce a whopping 1000 litres of milk in just an hour! This liquid gold is then poured into a large barrel and heated to 36 degrees through hot water pipes. After this, the farmer adds rennet extract and bacteria to craft the delicious Gouda cheese that everyone knows and loves!
At the same time, the rest of the milk is carefully crafted into yoghurt. Once the cheese is ripe and ready for the next step, a family member draws out their trusty knives to split it into pieces. The curd is then carefully collected and pressed until all the cheese is squeezed out, and then dropped into a salt brine solution to preserve it. To give it that extra flavor, cumin, mustard seeds, black pepper, red pepper, ginger, and garlic are thrown in, and the cheese is then pressed with a farmer’s label, displaying the name, location, and date of production. Making it easier than ever to trace back your cheese to the very farmer who crafted it!
Whilst here, you can sample some of the delectable creamy cheeses for a very small fee. I was also treated to an educational tour of the centuries-old cheese-making traditions, learning about different cheeses and even getting a chance to gaze upon the 9th-century machinery which makes it all possible. The friendly and hospitable staff even allowed us to meet some of the farm’s cows!
But that’s not all, the Clara Maria Cheese and Clog Farm also crafts traditional (painted) wooden shoes with authentic antique machines – no newfangled technology here! These clogs are made from willow wood, a material that is both lightweight and sturdy. So why not take a step back in time and invest in your very own pair of Dutch Shoes?
Exploring the iconic elements of the Netherlands is made easy with the Clara Maria Cheese Farm and Clog Factory. Not only will you find beautiful souvenirs such as wooden shoes and cow-painted piggy banks, but you’ll also feel the lightness of the wooden shoes on your feet.
In a single day, you can experience the Dutch culture in its finest form and pick up a few goodies along the way. Before you leave, don’t forget to purchase some of the farm’s famous clogs and cheese to take home with you! As you make your way back, you’ll also be able to bask in the breathtaking views of the Dutch countryside.
